Growing up in a tight-knit place like Pen Argyl, Bath, or Bangor, it’s easy to believe the worst things happen elsewhere. We think fentanyl poisonings only happen in cities, on the news, or to other people—or at least, that’s what we tell ourselves.
The truth is, fentanyl doesn’t care about your zip code. Overdose deaths are not just a “big city” problem—they’re happening right here in the Slate Belt, across Northampton County, and in communities that never thought it could happen to them.
As summer begins and school lets out, teens and young adults have more free time, more independence, and—too often—more access to substances. That’s why now is the time to break the myth that small towns are safe from the fentanyl crisis.
Fentanyl is Everywhere—Even Here
All it takes is one pill to be fatal. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are flooding the illegal drug market—and many look just like real meds. Blue “Percs,” Xanax bars, Adderall knock-offs, but they’re not safe. They’re often made illegally, containing unknown doses, and can kill within minutes.
In Northampton County, we’ve seen overdose deaths across all areas—not just the cities. Small towns like those in the Slate Belt are deeply impacted, especially as more young people experiment with substances they believe to be harmless.
It Can’t Happen Here? It Already Has.
The idea that “everyone knows everyone” in a small town can lead to a false sense of security. That community closeness is exactly why fentanyl hits so hard—it’s not just a statistic. It’s someone’s son, daughter, classmate, or neighbor.
You might not hear every story. You might not see it firsthand, but the numbers are real, and so are the lives lost.
The question remains: what can we do?
Fighting Back Starts at Home
Prevention doesn’t start with panic—it starts with conversation, education, and access to life-saving tools.
Here’s how Slate Belt families and communities can take action this summer:
- Start the Talk Early. If you’re a parent, guardian, or mentor, have open and honest conversations with the teens and young adults in your life. Talk about fake pills and fentanyl, and most importantly, listen.
- Know the Signs. Learn how to recognize an overdose and how to respond. Quick action saves lives.
- Get Involved. Whether it’s volunteering, attending a Narcan training, or sharing this message, every effort matters. Let your neighbors know that silence and stigma don’t belong here.
- Carry Narcan. This safe, easy-to-use nasal spray can reverse an opioid overdose. It’s free, no questions asked.
- In the Slate Belt, you can pick up Narcan anytime from the outdoor distribution box at A Clean Slate Recovery Center (118 S. 1st St., Bangor, PA). It’s available 24/7.
- You can also request contactless delivery within Northampton County at FakeIsReal.org/Order.
Remember: Narcan distribution boxes are located throughout Northampton County. Find the full list at FakeIsReal.org/Narcan-Locations.
Don’t Wait for a Wake-Up Call
We all want a safe, healthy summer for our kids and community, but that doesn’t happen by assuming, “It won’t happen here.” The risks are real. The pills are fake. The impact is felt across every corner of our county—from the streets of Bethlehem to the sidewalks of Pen Argyl.
Let’s face the facts, protect our own, and stay informed.
Small town or big city—fake is still real.
