Santa Fe Standard

Santa Fe County Community Services has launched phase three of its public awareness campaign in support of National Fentanyl Awareness Day on May 7, 2024. The initiative aims to mitigate public health harms associated with fentanyl consumption. The campaign, with the catchy slogan "One Pill Can Kill," initially focused on educating the public about the lethal effects of fentanyl. Now, phases two and three emphasize harm reduction through the message "Never Use Alone," displayed prominently across various platforms in the County.

According to an unnamed source, the campaign is crucial as illegal fentanyl is increasingly found in fake pills and various street drugs, leading to over 70,000 fatal overdoses in the past year. The goal of the campaign is to reduce the number of New Mexicans overdosing on fentanyl and its analogs. In 2022, Santa Fe County reported an overdose death rate of 48.4 per 100,000 residents, with 75 residents losing their lives. Additionally, in the last quarter of 2023, 1,589 inmates at the Santa Fe County Detention Center tested positive for opiates, highlighting the severity of the issue.

The harm reduction campaign aims to reach individuals who use substances and provide them with support to minimize the public health effects of drug use. Strategies include safe needle exchange, access to naloxone, and training on overdose intervention. The "Never Use Alone" message is part of a national movement that seeks to prevent fentanyl-related deaths by ensuring individuals have access to naloxone in case of an overdose.

The development of campaign materials is overseen by a group coordinated by the County, consisting of stakeholders from various organizations. It is important to note that Santa Fe County does not endorse the use of illegal drugs.

For more information on local treatment resources and to order free naloxone, individuals can visit the provided websites. To inquire about the Santa Fe County "Never Use Alone" campaign, interested parties can contact Rachel O’Connor or Chanelle Delgado from the Community Services Department.

The County's efforts align with the national "Never Use Alone" movement, which aims to support individuals at risk of overdose. To join the movement, individuals can visit the website or call the provided number.