Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is up to 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. These drugs contribute significantly to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the United States. Fentanyl, along with other synthetics, is the leading cause of overdose deaths. Even a small amount, such as 2mg, equivalent to the tip of a pencil, can be lethal to an average American. Over 150 individuals succumb daily to overdoses linked to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

A poignant PSA video titled "BREATHE" unfolds as a raw first-person short film portraying high school students grappling with the fear of legal repercussions when seeking help for a friend who has overdosed by dialing 9-1-1. The main message: resist the urge to panic or run away in this situation; call 9-1-1, stay, help, and give the victim a chance.

There are various addictive and dangerous substances that people in our community may access. This newsletter intends to highlight Fentanyl, Tranq (Xylazine), and Opiates which are substances causing serious health problems in the United States. People are now able to obtain these drugs via internet sources. This process only compounds the substance abuse crisis.