Welcome to our May 2024 blog for Northampton County’s Fake Is Real Campaign.
This month, we are talking about National Fentanyl Awareness Day and our NARCAN Drive-Thru and Drug Take Back Day, both happening May 7!
On May 7, 2024, National Fentanyl Awareness Day strives to gather everyone in the community to bring awareness to this crisis. That means parents, teachers, corporations, influencers, community and government groups, and… you!
Fake pills and fentanyl have changed the drug landscape and are driving the recent increase in U.S. drug overdose deaths, according to The National Fentanyl Awareness website, which cited that nationally, more than 70,000 people fatally overdosed on illegally made fentanyl.
When used in medical settings and prescribed by doctors, fentanyl is generally safe. The problem becomes when they are used in fake pills and made much more potent. Since many fake pills and street drugs contain fentanyl, many people who use them are unaware, and unfortunately, cannot detect them until it’s too late. In these cases, even a single pill can kill and can find their way into other illegal drugs.
That’s why the county views National Fentanyl Awareness Day as a critical chance to highlight the importance of our work to aid in prevention and awareness. This day will shed light on the many ways you can help save lives and prevent the next tragedy.
Whoever you are, you can make a difference. Check out the website for a variety of resources and information to guide you.
The current fentanyl crisis, much like any drug-related crisis, stems from addiction. Unfortunately, addiction doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care if you are rich or poor, young or old, or what religion, politics or lifestyle you follow. It affects our families, friends, co-workers, and children. Nearly everyone that we come into contact with knows someone who has experienced addiction to drugs in some form or another, which can lead to overdoses. Think about how easy it is to unfortunately see a loved one lose their life to an overdose. With fentanyl, overdoses have become much more common and our work to prevent them is much more urgent. We have a duty to our community to strive to provide the opportunities, resources, and education they need to stay safe and prevent the spread of fentanyl and other opioid-related overdoses.
Annual NARCAN Drive-Thru and Drug Take Back Day
As part of National Fentanyl Awareness Day, we are hosting our Free NARCAN Drive-Thru and Drug Take Back Day on Tuesday, May 7, from 4 pm to 6 pm at Founders Way at ArtsQuest in Bethlehem!
NARCAN, an overdose-reversing medication, is critical for saving one’s life when seconds matter. NARCAN is a nasal spray that can be administered to someone to reverse a fentanyl overdose by blocking the effects of opioids, and because of fentanyl’s potency, multiple doses might be necessary.
At this event, we will provide NARCAN kits and take any unused or expired medication for safe disposal to anyone who drives up to the main doors at ArtsQuest, so you can rest assured that it won’t fall into the wrong hands.
Pills can be dangerous enough on their own, so your participation in safely dropping them off to dispose of them eliminates the risks of someone accidentally or intentionally consuming them.
Please make sure to store and bag all medication in your trunk for easy access.
We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to stop by and save a life!
