All articles tagged with #fentanyl epidemic
After losing her son to a fentanyl overdose, the author grapples with grief and takes in her son's Siberian husky, Yuki. The dog's behavior becomes aggressive, leading to a difficult journey of training and rehabilitation. Through dedication and support, the author and Yuki find healing and progress, symbolizing love and resilience in the face of the fentanyl epidemic.
Mexican drug cartels are increasingly targeting remote areas of the U.S., such as Montana, due to the high profits from selling drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl-laced pills. The rise of fentanyl has led to a surge in drug-related crime and overdoses, particularly on Native American reservations, where cartel associates have formed relationships with Indigenous women and lured Native Americans into becoming dealers. Law enforcement struggles to police the vast and remote areas of Montana, and the reservations suffer from high rates of drug addiction and low numbers of law enforcement. Despite some successful busts, the drug crisis continues to ravage these communities, leading to calls for more support and resources from the government.
Rapper and philanthropist Jelly Roll testified before the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, urging Congress to pass legislation targeting the supply and distribution of fentanyl. He emphasized the devastating impact of fentanyl on his fans and called for bipartisan action, despite his own criminal history involving drug-related charges. Jelly Roll's testimony highlighted the need for a united effort to address the fentanyl epidemic and urged lawmakers to prioritize the issue at the kitchen table.
Rapper and country music star Jelly Roll testified before the U.S. Senate Banking Committee about the devastating impact of fentanyl, highlighting the need for proactive measures to address the crisis. Drawing from his personal experience as a former drug dealer and advocate for victims of the heroin and fentanyl epidemics, he urged lawmakers to pass the FEND Off Fentanyl Act to target suppliers and traffickers. Emphasizing the nonpartisan nature of the issue, he called for a focus on stopping both the supply and demand of fentanyl, and appealed for genuine concern for human life over ideology and partisanship.
An experimental drug treatment program on Staten Island, called Hotspotting The Overdose Epidemic, has shown promising results in reducing opioid overdoses and saving lives. The program, which assigns addicts to certified peer advocates and substance abuse counselors, uses medication to help wean them off fentanyl and other opioids. Analysis of the program revealed a significant decrease in overdose fatalities and non-fatal overdoses compared to non-participants. The program also saw a drop in hospital emergency room visits and in-patient admissions for addicts. The success of the program has sparked hope that it could be replicated on a larger scale to combat the fentanyl epidemic.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has called for a "national assault" on the fentanyl epidemic following the death of a child at a Bronx day care. Two suspects, the day care operator and a tenant, have been arrested on charges including murder and manslaughter. Three other children were hospitalized but are recovering. The mayor emphasized the growing fentanyl crisis in the city and the need for action, highlighting the dangers of the drug and the broken trust with childcare workers. The suspects are considered flight risks, and authorities are also seeking the day care operator's husband for questioning.
The number of drug overdose deaths in San Francisco has risen to 473 within the first seven months of 2023, with 71 deaths reported in July alone. The majority of these deaths, 385, were caused by fentanyl, a powerful opioid. Xylazine, a newly-emerging street drug, also contributed to 16 deaths. On average, two people have died every day from drug overdoses in San Francisco this year. The report does not include data from August. International Overdose Awareness Day was recognized on August 31, highlighting the need to address the opioid crisis and the grief experienced by families and friends of overdose victims.