May brings a sense of momentum. The school year is coming to a close. Prom and graduation season are in full swing. Finals are underway. With Memorial Day around the corner, outdoor gatherings, late nights, and celebrations are happening everywhere.
It’s a time for accomplishment, connection, and joy, but also a time to stay alert. As we head into the summer months, it’s important to pause and ask:
Are the choices we’re making keeping us—and our loved ones—safe?
Now more than ever, we need to stay sharp, stay safe, and stay sober.
Stay Sharp: Know the Facts. Know the Risk.
Being sharp means understanding the reality of what we’re facing. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, up to 100 times stronger than morphine, and it’s fueling a deadly crisis. It’s cheap to produce and easy to press into counterfeit pills that look identical to legitimate medications like Xanax, Adderall, or Percocet.
Fentanyl isn’t just in pills anymore. It’s being laced into marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and other street drugs—often without the user’s knowledge. Many overdoses happen because people have no idea what they are actually taking.
Here’s what is even more alarming:
- Fentanyl can’t be seen, smelled, or tasted.
- Just two milligrams—about the size of a few grains of salt—can be fatal.
This isn’t about scare tactics—it’s about facts. Education can save lives, so take time to learn what’s really going on. Visit our Fentanyl Facts page to understand how fentanyl is impacting communities across Northampton County and beyond.
Stay Safe: Make Smart Choices. Be Prepared.
We all want to celebrate the good stuff—whether it’s prom night, graduation, a backyard barbecue, or just a warm night with friends. Staying safe doesn’t mean missing out. It means showing up smart, ready, and aware.
Making good choices is easier when you’re prepared. That’s why we offer tools and resources for teens, parents, educators, and community members on our Resources page. From classroom materials to conversation starters, you’ll find what you need to stay connected and informed.
Preparation goes beyond knowledge—it means having the right tools on hand.
Here’s how you can take action right now:
- Get trained in how to use Narcan (naloxone). We offer free, in-person training every month right here in Northampton County. Knowing how to respond in an emergency could save someone’s life. Sign up today!
- Order Narcan directly through our website so you’re never without it.
- Practice safe storage and disposal by using medication lockboxes and Deterra pouches, both of which are available at no cost.
Preparedness isn’t paranoia—it’s protection. It’s for friends, families, coworkers, teachers, and neighbors. It’s for all of us.
Stay Sober: Celebrate Without Risk
There are so many reasons to celebrate this time of year. The truth is substance use—especially now, with fentanyl in the mix—comes with risks that are higher than ever.
Staying sober doesn’t mean giving up fun. It means choosing to experience these moments fully, without putting yourself or others in danger. Whether you’re a teen going to your first big event or an adult gathering with old friends, sobriety is a choice rooted in strength—not restriction.
For those who are struggling with substance use or looking to support someone in recovery, you’re not alone. There are multiple pathways to help and healing available right here in Northampton County. Visit our website to connect with local recovery centers and outpatient programs, offering support groups, peer-led recovery communities, and counseling services for individuals and families.
Recovery isn’t a straight line—and it doesn’t have to be walked alone.
The decisions we make now can protect our futures, friendships, and families, and we all have a role to play. Learn the facts. Talk to the people around you, and get the tools you need to stay ready. If you need help—reach out. We are in this together.
Let’s make this May one to remember—for all the right reasons.
