Fentanyl Awareness Day emphasizes saving lives
SANTA FE- Awareness, prevention and real-time solutions can make a difference when it comes to New Mexico’s ongoing efforts to reduce fentanyl overdose in the state.
Tuesday, April 29 is National Fentanyl Awareness Day, and the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) wants residents to know the important resources available to help.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid manufactured both legally for pain management and illegally as a street drug. It is the substance most often involved in fatal overdoses in the state.
New Mexico has worked to provide greater access to treatment options, resources and tools to address fentanyl and opioid addiction.
“Naloxone (Narcan) is an FDA approved medication to treat opioid overdoses, and it has reversed thousands of overdoses in the last five years alone,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH chief medical officer. “It’s important to know the signs of overdose and how to use naloxone.”
Signs of a fentanyl overdose include unresponsiveness, slow or no breathing, pale, cold, or blue skin and choking.
Naloxone is available at no cost for online ordering at NMHarmReduction.org or in-person at all NMDOH public health offices (PHO).
NMDOH also offers:
- The NM Pathways Program which provides access to buprenorphine medications for opioid use disorder for free or low-cost. Buprenorphine can help individuals reduce their cravings, manage withdrawal, and support recovery. To find a PHO or provider in your community, visit NMPathways.org or call the free helpline at 1-833-796-8773.
- The Adulterant Checking Program allows individuals utilizing services through the NMDOH Harm Reduction Program to bring in a small sample of their substance to be tested for adulterants prior to use. Individuals are provided with the results as well as counseling on how to minimize risk and other available resources. Individuals are provided with the results as well as counseling on how to minimize risk and other available resources. The program has been able to identify adulterants within the fentanyl supply, including xylazine and carfentanil.
- In addition, hotlines such as Never Use Alone (1-877-696-1996) and 988 are also available if you or a loved one needs intervention or support with addiction.
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