Learn all you can, share what you learn, together we can save lives!
National Fentanyl Awareness Day is recognized on May 9th and acknowledges the devastating impact of fentanyl both in our community and those across the nation. The alarming rise in overdose cases in recent years continues to claim lives of all ages including youth, many unknowingly, and profoundly affect individuals and families.
To raise awareness about the danger of fentanyl, recognize this life saving message and in support of the City of Henderson’s continued efforts, Mayor Michelle Romero and the City Council proclaimed May 2024 Fentanyl Awareness Month.
The Henderson City Council acknowledged Valentina and Guiseppe Mandell, a father and daughter who recently lost a family member due to fentanyl overdose and have openly shared their personal story via the Risk It All with Fentanyl awareness campaign in the hopes of preventing more tragedies.
“Thank you again to this courageous family and everyone working in the community helping to educate our citizens, especially young people, about the dangers of fentanyl,” said Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero. “I’d like to take this opportunity to remind our residents not to take anything which has not been prescribed to you by a reputable pharmacy.”
This is a pertinent time to remind youth and the community about the dangers of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than morphine and poses a severe threat to public health and safety due to its potency and the escalating prevalence of its illicit use.
It is often taken unknowingly via counterfeit pills or other drugs sold on social media. Even fake, everyday medications like Tylenol and Ritalin are being laced with fentanyl.
From January 2018 to July 2022, an estimated 1,412 opioid-related overdose deaths occurred in Clark County, and 653 (46%) died from fentanyl, according to data from the Southern Nevada Health District.
Educating citizens, especially youth, about the dangers of fentanyl, increase of counterfeit pills, inability to see, smell, taste if a substance has been laced with fentanyl and the lethal potency of this drug is paramount in preventing further tragedies and healthy, informed choices.
The City of Henderson developed the Risk It All with Fentanyl awareness campaign to talk directly to youth about these dangers. To continue making an impact throughout the year, community members such as parents and youth, youth leaders, coaches, teachers and anyone interested in spreading awareness are invited and encouraged to use the campaign tools and resources to help share this critical message.
To learn more and access the campaign resources, visit www.riskitallwithfentanyl.com/resources. Learn all you can, share what you learn, together we can save lives!
Comments