95 residents died of heroin use in 2013, and medics are seeing rising numbers of overdoses. Smaller communities including Columbus, Greenwood and Connersville also are reporting spikes.

A study last year showed the number of young people in Indiana using heroin is twice the national average.

Officials say one reason for the increase is heroin's low cost. Prescription drugs are harder to get, and heroin can be found for $10 to $20 a hit.

But medics say its effects are unpredictable and can quickly turn deadly.

The Indianapolis Department of Public Safety is working developing a plan to confront the heroin problem and expect to announce details in the coming weeks.