West Michigan experiencing spike in fentenayl-related overdoses By Veronica Meadows and Amber Ainsworth Published DETROIT (FOX 2) - There has been a spike in fentanyl-related overdoses in two counties on the west side of the state, according to the Michigan Poison Center at Wayne State University. Cass and Van Buren counties are experiencing more overdoses related to the drug that is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. Wayne State School of Medicine warns of fatal fentanyl related overdoses in Cass and Van Buren counties. Five people have died this year from the overdoses in southwest Michigan. That has already surpassed last year's deaths.