Public health campaign warns drug users about fentanyl

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A new public health campaign aims to inform opioid users about the dangers of fentanyl through “practical” and potentially life-saving advice.

Launched by the city Department of Health (DOH), the $730,000 campaign warns drug users not to use alone, avoid mixing drugs, and about the presence of fentanyl.

Fentanyl is a short-acting opioid that is 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin.

According to DOH, fentanyl was the most common drug involved in overdose fatalities in 2017 and identified in 57 percent of deaths.

“Fentanyl is in the illegal drug supply and it is driving the overdose epidemic in New York City,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot.

“People who use drugs should know there are ways to reduce their risk of overdose. If you use drugs, don’t use them by yourself; if you overdose, someone else will need to call 911. This information can save lives,” Barbot said.

Drug overdose deaths remain at epidemic levels throughout the five boroughs, according to the DOH, who reports there were 1,055 confirmed overdose fatalities citywide from January to September 2018.

CAMPAIGN TO RUN CITYWIDE

The campaign offers the following information to New Yorkers who use drugs:

• Fentanyl can’t be detected by sight, taste or smell when mixed into other drugs;
• Anyone who uses heroin, crack, and cocaine may be at risk of a fentanyl overdose;
• Avoid mixing opioids with alcohol, Xanax, Valium and Klonopin, which increase the risk of overdose;
• Avoid using alone.

One poster reads “avoid using alone” in large white text against a blue background, adding, “ if you do, have someone check on you.” The second poster warns that fentanyl could be mixed into heroin, cocaine and crack.

Both posters have the number to NYC Well.

The campaign, part of HealingNYC, will run citywide on subways, bus shelters, billboards, LinkNYC kiosks, online in local businesses and the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. Targeted coverage will be conducted in neighborhoods in each borough that have the highest rates of overdose deaths.