Overdose FREE
Overdose FREE (Fentanyl Resources, Education, and Engagement)
Overdose FREE provides the NYC community with guidance on how to prevent and respond to an opioid overdose.
In February 2022, NYCC4H was awarded the opportunity to implement Overdose FREE, a comprehensive fentanyl test strip (FTS) education and distribution program.
We aim to:
1) Increase awareness of fentanyl,
2) Increase the proportion of individuals trained to prevent
and respond to an overdose,
3) Increase access to FTS among people who use drugs (PWUD) and their social networks (e.g., family and friends), and
4) Reduce overdose-related substance use behavior.
Epi Data
In 2017
Opioid overdose was declared a public health emergency in the US as approximately 100 people died every day from an opioid overdose. Since 2017, this number has only increased: approximately 140 people die every day from an opioid overdose.
In 2020
Fentanyl was involved in most overdose deaths in NYC. Across the US, fentanyl continues to drive overdose deaths along with other synthetic opioids.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine, is cheap to make and easily mixed into drugs. It has been found in heroin, cocaine, formed into “pills” that are sold in the guise of other substances such as MDMA, oxycodone, adderall, and others. Because of this, people are unaware of the composition of the drug they are taking or whether it contains traces of fentanyl. This lack of knowledge can be deadly.
- According to the NYC Department of Health:
Every six hours, someone died of a drug overdose in New York City. - More New Yorkers die of drug overdoses than homicides, suicides, and motor vehicle crashes combined.
- Opioids are involved in more than 85% of all overdose deaths.
- Fentanyl, a synthetic highly potent opioid, is involved in more than 78% of all overdose deaths.
We can Save our Communities
According to NYC DOHMH:
- Between July 2021 to June 2022 20, 162 Naloxone kits have been distributed in the Bronx!
- Harm reduction services save lives by being available and accessible in a matter that emphasizes the need for humility and compassion toward people who use drugs.
- Harm reduction plays a significant role in preventing drug-related deaths and offering access to healthcare, social services, and treatment.
Words Matter
Be empowered to use person-first language to reduce stigma and negative bias when discussing addiction.
Online Resource Center
NYCC4H provides FREE resources for all New Yorkers to receive opioid overdose prevention and response training and order FREE fentanyl test strips (FTS) and Naloxone (Narcan).
We provide fentanyl education and opioid overdose prevention and response training to families, community organizations, and health and wellness centers when requested by emailing info@nycc4h.org or completing this Training Request Form.
What is Naloxone?
In NYC, more people who use opiates die from overdose each year than the number of deaths from homicide. Many of these deaths are preventable.
Opioid overdoses can be
quickly and safely reversed through the use of Naloxone [brand name Narcan], a prescription drug used to revive someone who has overdosed on opioids or other substances laced with an opioid like fentanyl.
Why should people do the training?
By watching the video below, you can learn about the benefits of Naloxone and the steps to take to respond to an opioid overdose using Naloxone.
This can help save a life!
What is FTS?
Fentanyl test strips (FTS) empower people and can save lives.
FTS are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in any substance—pills, powder, or injectables.
FTS are a tool that can identify the presence of fentanyl within substances such as cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine, meth, heroin, and pressed pills.
Why should people do the training?
FTS can enable community members to make educated decisions about their safety and can prevent opioid overdoses when used with other risk reduction practices.
Now that you have learned about the benefits of Naloxone, Fentanyl Test Strips, or both; you can follow the link below to take a short quiz and request any of these resources to be mailed to your home for free.
Remote Training Sign-Up
Thank you for learning about what you can do to help save a life using Naloxone and Fentanyl test strips!
If you are interested in receiving remote Opioid Overdose Prevention and Response training delivered by NYCC4H staff please sign up below:
9 AM – 5 PM
info@nycc4h.org
(347) 467 – 0505
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