noticed more people passed out downtown?

I’ve lived and worked downtown for almost ten years, and over the past few months I’ve noticed a significant increase in unhoused individuals appearing unconscious or heavily impaired on sidewalks, benches, and other prominent public areas at all hours of the day and early mornings.

A couple of times, the situation looked serious enough that I called an ambulance, and responders appeared to find drug paraphernalia nearby.

Not trying to make a political point or start a debate about what the government should or shouldn’t be doing. I’m genuinely curious whether others downtown have noticed the same increase.

Has anyone else been seeing this more frequently? And has the city or local health officials identified any new or particularly potent drug, contaminated supply, or emerging trend in the area that could be contributing to what we’re seeing?

It’s becoming increasingly concerning, both for the people affected.