The safety and well-being of our community is always of utmost importance, which is why JCHD is proud to recognize the second annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day. We are doing our part to raise public awareness about an urgent problem: people are dying at alarming rates due to illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF), a potent synthetic opioid.
Founded by parents who have lost loved ones to this crisis, National Fentanyl Awareness Day is supported by a coalition of issue-area experts, corporations, nonprofits, schools, families and elected officials who are coming together today to spread the word. We invite you to take action with us today to help spread the word and save lives:
Know the Facts. Below are 6 key facts you need to know about this crisis.
Learn more about fentanyl, key safety tips, and risks at fentanylawarenessday.org
Illicit fentanyl is being used to make fake prescription pills and is also found in common street drugs like cocaine, MDMA and heroin.
Often consumed unknowingly by users, illicit fentanyl is driving the recent increase in U.S. overdose deaths.
Fake pills have been found in all 50 states. Assume any prescription pill you see online is fake, including Oxy, Percocet, Adderall and Xanax.
Fake pills are the main reason fentanyl-involved deaths are highest and fastest growing amongst youth.
Fentanyl is involved in more American youth deaths than heroin, meth, cocaine, benzos, and RX drugs COMBINED.
Fentanyl is involved in more deaths of Americans under 50 than any other cause of death, including heart disease, cancer, homicide, suicide, and other accidents.
Help Spread the Word. There are several ways individuals and organizations can increase awareness and help save lives:
Talk to your loved ones. Have an open dialogue with your family and friends about the issue. Ask questions about their awareness of fentanyl in fake pills and street drugs and outline steps for how they can protect themselves.
Know the signs of an overdose and be prepared to call 911.
Locate Naloxone (Narcan) near you and learn how to administer it.Post about the issue on social media.
Parent/Guardian Toolkit: Learn to Talk to the Youth in Your Life