Fentanyl Exposure Resource Event

Many people have concerns about the safety of being around fentanyl. This event aims to provide resources and information to the general public and organizations with workers who are more likely to encounter fentanyl and carfentanil. Please come join us March 26th, from 10am-2pm and the Salvation Army located at 1155 Flanagan Ave, Coos Bay, OR 97420.

The information covered at this event will include the following topics:

– What is fentanyl?
– What are the signs of a fentanyl overdose?
– Can someone overdose from secondhand fentanyl smoke?
– Are there negative health effects from inhaling secondhand fentanyl smoke?
– Can you overdose from touching fentanyl?
– Can you overdose from powdered fentanyl in the air?
– Is it safe to help someone who is experiencing an overdose from fentanyl?
– What should I do if I experience symptoms after being exposed to fentanyl?
– How can I safely clean up an area where fentanyl is present?

According to the CDC, synthetic opioids (such as fentanyl) are the primary drivers of overdose deaths in the United States. Comparing data from the 12 months ending January 31, 2020, to the 12 months ending January 31, 2021, the following trends were noted:

– Overdose deaths involving opioids rose by 38.1%.
– Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids (primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl) increased by 55.6% and appear to be the main contributors to the rise in total drug overdose deaths.

Drug trafficking organizations typically distribute fentanyl by the kilogram. It is estimated that one kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people.

Please join us for this informational session and connect with partnering organizations to help keep our community and workforce safe.