PHX Reporter

As opioid overdoses continue to rise in Arizona and across the United States, the Banner Poison and Drug Information Center is emphasizing National Fentanyl Awareness Day to highlight this critical issue. The center aims to address the stigma surrounding naloxone, a drug used to reverse opioid overdoses, by making it more accessible.

Maureen Roland, RN, managing director for the Banner Poison and Drug Information Center, stated, "Our outreach efforts in communities are focused on stigma reduction around opioid use disorder, as well as providing education and resources for those affected by it." She added that they are distributing naloxone and fentanyl test strips as part of their harm reduction initiatives. "We want everyone to know about the dangers of illicit fentanyl," she said.

National Fentanyl Awareness Day was established three years ago in response to the ongoing national crisis. According to the CDC, over 70,000 Americans died from illicit fentanyl overdoses last year. The drug is often found in counterfeit pills and various street drugs. The poison center encourages public involvement in preventing further tragedies by raising awareness about these dangerous substances and learning about naloxone.

The Banner Poison and Drug Information Center offers a free 24-hour emergency telephone service for residents and medical professionals in Maricopa County. Assistance is available in over 150 languages at 1-800-222-1222 or through bannerhealth.com/poisoncenter.

Additionally, the Arizona Opioid Assistance & Referral (OAR) Line provides confidential assistance related to opioids. Funded by ADHS and operated by two Arizona poison centers, it can be reached at 888-688-4222 or online at azdhs.gov/oarline/.