Drug free coalitions plan virtual fentanyl program

From staff reports

The Drug Free Coalitions of Clarion, Armstrong and Indiana counties are hosting a virtual presentation called Song for Charlie to raise awareness about ongoing issues in the region caused by the synthetic opioid fentanyl.

The event will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10. The presentation will include facts about fentanyl, current data, counterfeit pill information, signs of overdose, and naloxone availability.

After the sudden loss of their son Charlie, Ed and Mary Ternan created Song for Charlie with one goal — to bring awareness to counterfeit prescription pills being sold online targeting young people.

Pre-registration is required for the Feb. 10 event at https://forms.gle/HqU16DXPNc7N5tqS6.

Officials with the Drug Enforcement Administration are reporting a dramatic rise in the number of counterfeit pills containing at least 2 mg of fentanyl, which is considered a deadly dose.

Drug traffickers are using fake pills to exploit the opioid crisis and prescription drug misuse, the DEA says.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting more than 100,000 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in the most recent 12-month reporting period, the most ever recorded.

Fentanyl is the primary driver in this alarming increase in overdose deaths, the CDC said.

The Drug Free Coalition groups in each county are striving to reduce and prevent substance use within the community.

Working on multiple fronts, the Clarion Drug Free Coalition is attempting to tackle the issue of addiction within Clarion County by a comprehensive approach including many programs and strategies that are free to the public.

The coalition meetings are open to the public, and anyone interested in joining the Clarion coalition can contact jdolby@aicdac.org or (814) 226-6350, Ext. 104.

Anyone who needs help for a substance use disorder can call the same number. All services are free and confidential.