In February, the Erie County Department of Health reported 247 opioid related deaths in 2016 and 50 suspected opioid overdose deaths already for this year.
Erie County confirms a total of 16 deaths just since March 29, including 10 within the last week.
A recent report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows Erie County ranks among the worst of New York's counties for premature deaths, including accidental deaths from drug overdoses.
In Erie County, opioid related deaths have increased every year since 2013.
