There are various addictive and dangerous substances that people in our community may access. This newsletter intends to highlight Fentanyl, Tranq(Xylazine) and Opiates which are substances causing a serious health problem in the United States.
People are now able to obtain these drugs via Internet sources. This process only compounds the substance abuse crisis. Nora Volkow, MD, NIDA Director states, “It is absolutely crucial to educate young people that pills purchased via social media given to someone by a friend, or obtained from an unknown source may contain deadly Fentanyl.” December 2022, National Institute on Drug Abuse.
We are fortunate in our community to have the support of the Mahwah Police Department and its resources to help tackle this epidemic. They work tirelessly to enforce the laws on illegal drug use and possession. The Department also provides options for diversion and rehabilitative resources for individuals through the MMA resources as well as the County. The Mahwah Police Department has been a forerunner in the effective utilization of Narcan (the opioid antidote) and have saved numerous lives because of it. Chief Timothy O’Hara is looking forward to working closely with the MMA to spread awareness in our community and to deter the use of dangerous drugs in our shared responsibility to each other. The Mahwah Police Department recently acquired a K-9 for the frontline fight against the opioid epidemic and other dangerous drugs. This highlights the proactive approach to getting these drugs off the streets and out of the hands of our loved ones. The K-9 Unit will also work with entities in the community (MMA) for public education and demonstrations to promote awareness and to deter substance abuse.
Education of our community is critical to help battle this crisis.
Education is Critical! “I never knew I was addicted until I tried to STOP!” | 