The Upstate New York Poison Center will mark Monday, Aug. 21, National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, by sounding the alarm on fentanyl.

“Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid. It poses a significant national health issue, contributing to a concerning rise in opioid-related deaths nationwide,” says Jeanna Marraffa, PharmD, clinical director of the Upstate New York Poison Center, “Similarly, our poison center based in Syracuse has observed an increase in poison-related calls involving fentanyl and its derivatives. We recognize the urgent need for proactive measures to combat this epidemic.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S. There are two types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical fentanyl and illegally made fentanyl. Both are considered synthetic opioids. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain. However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdoses are linked to illegally made fentanyl.

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reminds everyone that “One Pill Can Kill.” The DEA says, “Never trust your own eyes to determine if a pill is legitimate. The only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.”

The Upstate New York Poison Center encourages all families who have any opioid prescriptions, including fentanyl, in their home to keep the pills in their original container and keep the bottle out of reach and sight of children and teens. Fentanyl patches should be folded in half before disposing. The Poison Center also encourages the use of a lockbox for all prescription and non-prescription medicines.

If an individual is suspected of swallowing/inhaling a drug that might contain fentanyl:

1. Call 911 if the individual is not breathing
2. If one has access to Naloxone (Narcan), follow instructions to administer Narcan.
3. If the person is awake and breathing and, direct questions to the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. It is recommended that individuals say this number to their contact list.

As a vital resource for communities in Upstate New York, the Upstate New York Poison Center remains steadfast in its mission to educate families and individuals about the dangers of fentanyl and provide essential guidance in times of crisis. poison center provides free educational materials, including brochures, posters, magnets, pencils, etc., for families, community centers, schools, and healthcare facilities throughout our 54-county coverage area.

Additionally, Poison Center experts are available to address any questions from health care providers related to fentanyl exposure or any other suspected poisoning.

Other resources on fentanyl include the following:

- Matters Network currently offers free Fentanyl test strips, Xylazine test strips, and Naloxone. MATTERS began as a Buffalo-based electronic referral platform to connect patients to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUDs). Today, their electronic referral platform efficiently refers patients with opioid use disorder from emergency departments, OB/GYN offices, correctional facilities, inpatient units, pre-hospital settings, etc. to community-based clinics across New York State.

- HOPELINE™, created by the Center for Suicide Awareness, is a text-in (versus voice call-in) free emotional support service providing hope, help, and support when it’s needed most. HOPELINE™ serves anyone in any type of situation providing them access to free.

- SAMHSA’s National Helpline,1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

- New York State Office of Addiction Services and Support provides free Naloxone and test strips to help prevent overdose deaths and save lives.