COLUMBUS, Ohio - More Ohioans have died of an opioid overdose during a three-month period last year than at any time since the pandemic began.

The Scientific Committee on Opioid Prevention and Education (SCOPE) found the death rate from opioid overdoses in Ohio to be at 11.01 per 100,000 people in the second quarter of 2020.

That rate is the highest in 10 years.

The previous high was 10.87 during the first quarter of 2017.

The death rate spike come after a significant drop in opioid related deaths over the last 24-month period. During that time the death rate was between 6 and 8 per 100,000.

"Opioid overdoses might have taken a backseat in our minds last year because of COVID-19, but make no mistake: Ohioans are dying at a devastating rate because of opioid overdoses," Attorney General David Yost said, urging vigilance about how prescription drugs are stored and encouraging people to seek medical care in the event of an overdose, despite concerns about COVID-19.

67% of Ohio counties recorded an increase in deaths.

Trumbull and Mahoning Counties have staggering death rates with 17.12 and 15.49 per 100,000, respectfully.