Sensible Movement Coalition - National Fentanyl Awareness Day

National Fentanyl

Awareness Day

Did you know that fentanyl is one of the highest causes of death in Americans under 50.

May 7th is #NationalFentanylAwarenessDay, and in our pursuit to educate citizens about the harms of fentanyl, we want to share some information about the risks associated with fentanyl and what you can do to prevent, recognize, and reverse overdose.

Learn more about Fentanyl

The consumption of illegally-made fentanyl is leading to a widespread health emergency across the United States. Individuals are unintentionally ingesting it and experiencing fatal overdoses. Even if you are not partaking in some of these medications and drugs, there is a high likelihood that someone within your social circle has been affected by the current epidemic.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fentanyl

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a potent lab-made opioid, up to 50X stronger than heroin.

Is Fentanyl Legal?

Some fentanyl products are legal medications that are prescribed by many doctors, but others are illegally made in unauthorized facilities and mixed in with counterfeit and illicit drugs.

Should I be worried if I don't use fentanyl?

Fentanyl is commonly added to party drugs and fake prescription pills everywhere, so, yes, you should be worried about it when purchasing any drugs on the streets or off the counter (e.g., anti-anxiety, antidepressants, opioids, stimulants).

How is Fentanyl different from other drugs?

Even small doses of fentanyl, as small as 1 to 2 milligrams (equivalent to 2 grains of sand) can be fatal, and some drug dealers are adding fentanyl to other commonly used street drugs. People are dying from unintentional fentanyl use.

How can I help others and do something about this issue?

Share information about this topic with your loved ones, and make sure to talk to everyone, especially children, about the dangers and prevalence of fentanyl
If you are a parent or caregiver, learn how to recognize and respond to symptoms of mental health struggles in young people
Join a group and learn how to administer naloxone (also known as Narcan) a medication that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. Many recovery community organizations such as Harm Reduction Ohio provide local training and you can take online courses through organizations like the Red Cross.
Rapid test strips can determine if drugs are mixed or cut with fentanyl. If you are in Ohio and need some test strips contact our team or Harm Reduction Ohio. For all other states, check with your local CDC's office for available programs or information on how to obtain these test strips. You should use these precausions to always test any illicets drugs before use.
Learn to recognize the signs of overdose and be prepared to call for help
Help spread awareness throughout your community by sharing information about fentanyl. The National Fentanyl Awareness Day site has important facts and figures in shareable graphics.

Naloxone can save lives!

Naloxone (known to many as Narcan) is a medication that can reverse overdose by fentanyl and other opioids, such as heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. It can very quickly restore normal respiration to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped as a result of overdosing.

Carrying Naloxone can help lives, learn more about naloxone by visiting Harm Reduction Ohio's Website.

What to do if you think someone is overdosing

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell whether someone is having an overdose or is high/using drugs. If the situation is unclear, follow the steps below and treat the situation like an overdose-you could save a life.