National Fentanyl Awareness Day is April 29 

     ALBANY — The Linn County Alcohol and Drug Program is proud to support National Fentanyl Awareness Day on April 29.

     In 2023, Oregon lost 1,833 lives to fentanyl-related overdoses, with most deaths linked to counterfeit pills that look like real prescription medications. Many teens remain unaware of the risks—nearly half don’t realize fake pills sold online or on the streets may contain fentanyl.

     Facts everyone should know:

     •        Fake pills mimic real prescription drugs such as Oxycodone, Percocet, and Xanax.

     •        Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl (a few grains of sand) can be fatal.

     •        Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse an overdose and is available for free at select locations in Linn County or online at nextdistro.org/Oregon.

     Talking to teens about fentanyl can save lives. Linn County Alcohol and Drug Program offers free fentanyl fact card packs with conversation starters for educators and youth organizations in Linn County—email info@linntogether.org to request a set.

     Opioid Use Disorder can be effectively treated with a combination of medications, treatment counseling, and other recovery supports. The Linn County Alcohol and Drug Program provides screening and assessment to assist individuals in obtaining the services needed to begin their recovery process. 

     Assessments with a certified counselor will help determine which treatment options are recommended, such as:

     •        The correct level of care for treatment counseling (outpatient, residential or detox)

     •        Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)

     •        Other recovery supports (community support meetings, sober housing, referrals to mental health care, or harm reduction services)

     These treatments can help reduce opioid use, improve well-being and lower the risk of overdose and drug-related death.

     “You don’t have to already be on the path to sobriety to start treatment,” says Heide Kizer Aranda, Supervising Health Services Addiction Specialist. “We are ready to meet you where you are at and help you get to where you want to go.” 

     For a free screening, call 541-967-3819.

     Learn more about Fentanyl Awareness Day and harm reduction at fentanylawarenessday.org and savelivesoregon.org.

Contact:  Justin Thomas, Program Manager, Linn County Health Services, Alcohol and Drug Program, 541-967-3819 or email: justinthomas@linncountyhealth.org.