In 2022 the overdose crisis reached new heights, with over 100,000 lives lost. Education and access to resources are primary tools in combating the overdose crisis. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid known to be 100 times stronger than morphine. While it is used medically to treat severe pain, the synthetic opioid is also sold illegally on the streets. Unfortunately, fentanyl is being increasingly mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and is also used to create fake pills. These fake pills can be difficult to distinguish from pharmaceutical-dispensed pills.

12 Month-ending Provisional Counts of Drug Overdose Deaths: United States – CDC.gove (2023)

The dangers of fake pills made from fentanyl cannot be overstated. Even a tiny amount of fentanyl can be deadly, and users who take these pills are putting themselves at significant risk. The overdose crisis in the United States has been largely fueled by the synthetic opioid fentanyl. The good news is that harm-reduction supplies are available for free to help reduce the risk of a fatal overdose. Here at Save Our Families, we provide free harm reduction supplies, such as Narcan (naloxone) and fentanyl testing strips, to those who need them. These supplies can save lives and help prevent overdose deaths.

By raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and promoting harm reduction strategies like the use of naloxone and fentanyl testing strips, we can help prevent overdose deaths and save lives. Save Our Families is here to provide support and resources to those who need them. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know is in need of assistance. To support our mission and outreach programs visit our Ways to Give page.

Resources: 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023, April 2) National Center for Health Statistics
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm