Last week we learned of three overdoses of high school students in Western Nevada County as a result of counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl. The Nevada County District Attorney’s Office confirmed this information in a Facebook post earlier today.
Thankfully, people nearby had Narcan and none of the overdoses were fatal. Still, it is a scary reminder that it is very important–and life-saving–to remember harm reduction and overdose prevention best practices.
REMEMBER…
❤️ CARRY NARCAN & GET TRAINED ON HOW TO USE IT
❤️ USE FENTANYL TESTING STRIPS WHEN USING DRUGS
❤️ TRY NOT TO USE ALONE WHEN POSSIBLE (NeverUseAlone Hotline @ 800-484-3731)
❤️ORGANIZATIONS & BUSINESSES – TRAIN YOUR STAFF ON NARCAN ADMINISTRATION & CARRY IT IN YOUR WORKPLACE
You can text or call the following organizations for free Narcan and fentanyl test strips in Nevada County:
Nevada County Public Health @ 530-388-6364
Yuba Harm Reduction Collective @ 530-362-8163
The Speedy Foundation (Truckee) @ 208-471-8904
With counterfeit pills, people often place their trust in the person who is providing them with the drugs, whether they are a friend or a person who sells them drugs regularly. It is important to remember that it is not a matter of trusting the person but of trusting the supply, since fentanyl is often added to drugs at the production level before it reaches local sellers.
For this reason, please remember and practice harm reduction and overdose prevention best practices. Any pill that was not prescribed by a doctor could contain fentanyl.
You can learn more about fentanyl, Narcan, harm reduction and free local resources and training at www.KnowOverdoseNC.com