Salem, Oregon– The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) began a social media campaign to address the growing public health crisis surrounding fentanyl-related overdoses across the state. Named “Fentanyl Aware,” this five-week campaign aims to educate the public on the dangers of fentanyl and provide essential information to prevent fatal overdoses.
The Fentanyl Aware campaign will be conducted in both English and Spanish, targeting diverse communities. It emphasizes key topics such as fentanyl risks, strategies for harm reduction, recognizing and responding to overdoses, and Oregon’s good Samaritan law, which safeguards individuals assisting during drug emergencies.
The campaign’s initial phase features factual social media posts outlining what fentanyl is, its sources, and why awareness is crucial. Subsequent posts will cover the administration and effectiveness of naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, alongside information about Oregon’s good Samaritan law.
The campaign will caution against drug mixing, reliance solely on fentanyl tests, and the dangers of using drugs alone. This comprehensive approach is intended to reach a broad audience and equip individuals with life-saving knowledge.
The Fentanyl Aware initiative draws inspiration from a similar 2023 campaign developed by Lane County Public Health, supported by OHA funds. Local health partners in Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook counties collaborated on the Fentanyl Aware Northwest campaign based on these materials.
Multnomah County also recently launched its own campaign, “Expect Fentanyl,” targeting youth aged 13-20 in the Portland area. This aligns with National Fentanyl Awareness Day, commemorating lives lost to overdoses and raising awareness of the dangers posed by illicitly produced fentanyl (IMF).
Cara Biddlecom, OHA’s interim public health director, stressed the campaign’s importance for all demographics, emphasizing that everyone is susceptible to fentanyl’s harms, including teenagers, seniors, and even children.
According to OHA data, unintentional and undetermined overdose deaths in Oregon surged from 1,083 in 2021 to 1,289 in 2022, with fentanyl overtaking methamphetamine as the leading cause. Alarmingly, the number of fentanyl-related deaths tripled from 2020 to 2022 across all age groups.
In response to this crisis, nasal naloxone is now available over-the-counter at retail pharmacies statewide, costing approximately $45 for two doses. OHP members can obtain naloxone at no cost, while syringe service programs offer additional harm reduction resources.
Source: OHA
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