A Jacksonville-area morgue is filled with bodies linked to drug overdoses.
The medical examiner’s office that covers Clay, Duval, Hamilton and Nassau counties is almost at capacity, and most of the bodies brought in are linked to synthetic drugs and opioids, according to the medical examiner’s office in Jacksonville.
In many cases, the medical examiner said people are dying from synthetic drugs they’ve never seen before.
Between 2015 and 2016, opioid and synthetic drug deaths went up in Duval County by 55 percent, Nassau County by 50 percent and Clay County by 38 percent.
Mother, child remain critical after fire that killed two in Glynn County
Between Jan. 1, 2016 to the end of January 2017, there have been 451 deaths. Incredibly, that is more than double reported in 2015.
Shannon Ervin of Jacksonville said she is dealing with addiction in her own family -- and help has been hard to find.
“I wish there were places that would take (those who are addicted) instead of turning them away," Ervin said. "They don't have the funds."
Ervin said her family is doing the best that they can to support their loved one who is addicted to drugs, but each day is tough.
“If we get through the day without a relapse or an overdose -- then it’s an accomplishment,” Ervin said.
The medical examiner’s office said it's trying to keep up the pace with four examiners they have on staff.