As fentanyl poisonings continue to take a heavy toll on communities across the United States, the need for immediate and effective solutions has never been more urgent. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is now the number one killer of adults aged 18-45. It’s crucial for individuals and organizations to take proactive measures to protect themselves and those around them.
That’s where Kloxxado comes in. As a leading provider of naloxone sprays, Kloxxado is committed to saving lives and reducing the devastating impact of fentanyl. By providing rapid, user-friendly access to this lifesaving medication, Kloxxado empowers individuals to act as first responders and make a meaningful difference in the face of an emergency.
To support this critical mission, FentanylSolution.org is proud to partner with Kloxxado as a sponsor of our corporate Save A Life Lunch & Learns. You provide the LUNCH and we provide the LEARN! These informative and engaging sessions provide attendees with valuable insights into the illicit fentanyl crisis, as well as the skills and knowledge needed to identify the signs of an overdose and administer naloxone safely and effectively.
Led by trainers in naloxone administration and the principles of harm reduction, our Lunch & Learns are the perfect way for businesses and organizations to empower their employees and take an active role in combating the fentanyl epidemic. In addition to providing expert guidance and hands-on experience with naloxone sprays, our trainers can also provide attendees with naloxone kits to take to their workplaces and homes to use in case of a fentanyl emergency.
Ultimately, the goal of our Lunch & Learns is to give people the tools and resources they need to respond quickly and effectively to a fentanyl emergency. By providing access to lifesaving naloxone and educating individuals on its proper use, we can help reduce the risk of fatalities and make a meaningful impact on this urgent public health crisis.
If you want to make a difference and take action against the fentanyl crisis, consider signing up for one of our corporate Save A Life Lunch & Learns today. With the support of Kloxxado and our team of experienced trainers, you can help save lives and make a real difference in your community.
Contact Christine Kirkwood at Christine@FentanylSolution.org to sign up.
On April 24th, 2023, Janice M. Celeste, the President & CEO of FentanylSolution.org, appeared on the John & Ken Show on iHeart Radio to discuss a new California ballot measure aimed at ending the fentanyl crisis.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is often used medically to treat severe pain, but it is also sold illegally as a synthetic recreational drug. Fentanyl-related overdoses have skyrocketed in recent years, with the drug responsible for over 100,000 deaths in the United States in 2022.
Janice M Celeste on the John and Ken Show
Play to hear the interview in its entirety.
FentanylSolution.org aims to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and to advocate for policy solutions to the crisis.
The Public Safety Committee in Sacramento refuses to pass any laws that create harsher penalties for drug users. FentanylSolution.org’s ballot measure that Celeste speaks about on the John & Ken Show is the organization’s Poll-to-Prop ballot initiative. The measure is asking 800 California voters what they want to see as far as harsher laws for drug dealers who kill users with illicit fentanyl. The first step in the ballot measure is to conduct a survey. The poll is managed by McNally Temple Associates and has a +/-3.5% margin of error. Celeste encourages you to learn more about the measure and to donate in support of it.
Celeste emphasized the importance of education in combating the fentanyl crisis. Many parents don’t know how fast and easily the drug can get into their home. The DEA states that 6 out of 10 counterfeit drugs are laced with a potentially lethal amount of fentanyl. In less than an hour, a lethal pill laced with fentanyl, unbeknownst to your child, can be in their hands .
The fentanyl crisis is a serious and growing problem in the United States. Celeste and FentanylSolution.org are working hard to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and to advocate for policy solutions to the crisis. The ballot initiative is an important step towards ending the epidemic, and it is up to us as citizens to support it and save lives.
The 2023 Orange County Crime Victims’ Ceremony was held in Santa Ana, California where there was a focus on fentanyl victims. The event was held to honor and remember those who have lost their lives as victims of crime. Many who attended the ceremony held photos of their lost loved ones and those honoring fentanyl victims wore lavender ribbons.
Matt Capelouto, whose daughter was murdered by a fentanyl dealer who sold her a counterfeit pill, spoke at the event and talked about how he wishes he didn’t have to be there. He expressed his frustration about bills getting stuck in committee in Sacramento and how the bill named after his daughter, Alexandra, aka SB44, would have passed on the house floor with 21 votes if it weren’t for partisan politics. He also announced FentanylSolution.org’s Poll-to-Prop initiative, which aims to take the vote to the people if legislators in Sacramento won’t do their job. Click the link here to view the video – https://youtube.com/shorts/wCycXyjau44.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that has become a significant public health concern in recent years. Its impact has been devastating, leading to countless deaths and causing immeasurable pain to families and communities. The Orange County Crime Victims’ Ceremony serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing crime at large, including fentanyl, and the need for policy changes to prevent further harm.
FentanylSolution.org is an organization that is working to fight against the Fentanyl crisis. Through education, awareness, and advocacy, they hope to increase understanding of the dangers of Fentanyl and promote policy changes that focus on harm reduction and prevention. Our $2.2 million Poll-to-Prop ballot initiatives would give drug dealers longer prison sentences for murdering people with fentanyl. To donate to this initiative, email info@FentanylSolution.org for more information.
In a recent interview with Fox 5 San Diego, Janice M. Celeste, the President and CEO of FentanylSolution.org, discusses the ongoing fentanyl crisis and the steps we are taking to fight against it. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has become a growing concern in recent years due to its devastating impact on public health.
Janice begins by explaining that fentanyl is a significant concern in California and in the United States, where drug overdose rates have been on the rise. She continues to explain that fentanyl has become so prevalent in illicit drug markets that many people are unknowingly consuming it.
Janice further elaborates on the dangers of fentanyl and how it has become a threat to public health. She explains that fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, making it difficult for people to know what they are consuming.
To combat the fentanyl crisis, Janice and her organization, FentanylSolution.org, take a multi-faceted approach that involves education, awareness, and advocacy. She highlights the need to educate people about the risks of fentanyl and the dangers of consuming drugs from unknown sources.
In addition to education and awareness, Janice and her organization advocate for policy changes to tackle the fentanyl crisis. FentanylSolution.org has a ballot measure in process that imposes stricter penalties for drug dealers who kill users with fentanyl.
The fentanyl crisis is a significant concern for public health, and Janice and FentanylSolution.org, are working hard to fight against it. Through education, awareness, and advocacy, we hope to increase understanding of the dangers of fentanyl and promote policy changes. By working together, we can combat the fentanyl crisis and protect our communities from its devastating impact.
You can watch the news clip in its entirety here – https://youtu.be/qgy0y7LJxkM.
Fentanyl was a hot topic on Tuesday, April 18th at the Orange Chamber of Commerce’s “Eggs & Issues” meeting with guest, Donald Wagner, Chairperson of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
The second audience question for Chairman Wagner was regarding fentanyl. The question started a chain of inquiries from the audience about keeping children safe and obtaining naloxone. Wagner referred to our President & CEO, Janice M. Celeste to address the question (at 2:38 in the video) about obtaining naloxone. Celeste explained that we offer Kloxxado, which is naloxone that reverses an opioid overdose, during our Lunch & Learns. Kloxxado is an in-kind sponsor of FentanylSolution.org and has a double dose of nasal spray, which is more than other brands.
The supervisor went on to speak about funding that put naloxone in all of the schools for students who might overdose and the importance of everyone having the spray. Celeste second that by addressing the audience and explaining why everyone should have naloxone in their first aid kits at home and in their cars. Wagner informed the crowd that they could easily be the first responder for someone else or a neighbor’s child.
In addition, Wagner will be speaking at an upcoming townhall titled, Addressing the Opioid Crisis in Orange County and hopefully his office will plan an upcoming townhall for the city of Orange, as well. You can view a short video of the meeting above. You can watch the entire video on Facebook, where Wagner referred to Celeste to answer another question from the audience. If you are interested in our Lunch & Learns, where your company and employees can get Kloxxado training (and naloxone), contact FentanylSolution.org for more information at 888-931-6244.
Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that has caused immense harm to communities across the United States, including California. The drug, which is up to 100 times more potent than morphine, has been linked to a sharp increase in overdose deaths in recent years, leading to calls for harsher penalties for drug dealers who sell the substance.
FentanylSolution.org, a leading advocacy group committed to raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and advocating for stricter penalties for drug dealers who sell the substance, is proud to announce the launch of its $2.2 million Poll-to-Prop initiative.
The initiative seeks to gather public opinion about the need for stricter penalties for drug dealers who sell fentanyl and murder their customers. The results of the poll will be used to draft a statewide proposition that will be put on the ballot for the next presidential election. FentanylSolution.org has partnered with McNally Temple Associates to conduct the poll and gather data that will be used to shape the proposition.
The Poll-to-Prop initiative is a response to the lack of progress of legislative bills aimed at enforcing severe penalties for drug dealers who sell fentanyl and harm their customers. Despite repeated efforts, these bills have failed to pass the Public Safety Committee, prompting FentanylSolution.org to take the initiative and work towards bringing this issue directly to the public through a proposed proposition on the ballot.
“We believe that drug dealers who sell fentanyl and murder their customers must be held accountable for their actions,” said Janice M. Celeste, President & CEO of FentanylSolution.org. “The Poll-to-Prop initiative is a crucial step in our efforts to raise awareness about the need for stricter penalties for these criminals.”
The $2.2 million initiative marks a significant investment in the fight against fentanyl and represents a major commitment by FentanylSolution.org to its mission of creating safer communities across California. The organization is committed to bringing the proposition to the ballot in the next presidential election and ensuring that the voices of Californians are heard on this important issue.
FentanylSolution.org is dedicated to creating awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and advocating for the development of effective policies that can help combat the opioid epidemic in California. The organization works closely with law enforcement, public health officials, and community leaders to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and provide support to individuals and families affected by the epidemic.
By launching the $2.2 million Poll-to-Prop initiative, FentanylSolution.org is taking a major step forward in the fight against the fentanyl epidemic in California. The organization’s commitment to gathering public opinion and shaping policy that reflects the needs and concerns of Californians is crucial in the ongoing effort to combat the opioid crisis. As we move forward, it is important that we continue to support organizations like FentanylSolution.org that are working tirelessly to create safer communities and combat the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic.
Be sure to sign up to be Friends of FentanylSolution.org to stay up-to-date about the Poll-to-Prop initiative.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has designated six Sinaloa Cartel members and six Mexico-based entities involved in the illicit fentanyl and methamphetamine trade. This action is part of a whole-of-government effort to disrupt and dismantle the transnational criminal organizations that facilitate the illicit supply of fentanyl and other narcotics.
The designation includes freezing the assets of the cartel members and entities and prohibiting any U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with them. These measures can significantly hurt, stop, or slow down the cartels’ activities, ultimately disrupting the production and supply chain of illicit fentanyl and other drugs. “This is an impactful step toward hindering the cartels’ ability to make counterfeit pills laced with illicit fentanyl,” said Janice Celeste, the President & CEO of FentanylSolution.org. “There is still more than must be done. We can’t stop here.”
Also, by prohibiting anyone from the U.S. from engaging in transactions with the designated individuals and entities can severely restrict the cartels’ ability to do business with legitimate companies or financial institutions. This will limit their opportunities to launder money, transfer funds, or invest their profits, ultimately making it harder for them to import or export goods or services, such as equipment or raw materials.
“This is an impactful step toward hindering the cartels’ ability to make counterfeit pills laced with illicit fentanyl,” said Janice Celeste, the President & CEO of FentanylSolution.org. “There is still more that has to be done. We can’t stop here.”
Furthermore, the reputational damage from the designation can make it harder for the designated individuals and entities to establish alliances with other criminal groups or bribe officials. It can also signal to other criminal actors that they are not immune to U.S. law enforcement actions and that their illicit activities will not be tolerated.
The United States government has declared a commitment to disrupting the global production and supply chain of illicit fentanyl, including denying criminal actors who engage in this activity access to the international financial system. The OFAC’s designation of the six Sinaloa Cartel members and six Mexico-based entities is a significant step towards achieving this goal and sends a clear message that the U.S. government is prepared to take action to dismantle the production and supply chain of illicit drugs, ultimately reducing the harm caused by these drugs.
Senate Holds Hearing on Illicit Fentanyl EpidemicOn February 15, 2023, the U.S. Senate convened a hearing on illicit fentanyl where a panel and lawmakers discussed the issue along with possible international strategies to combat the growing epidemic.
Along with a panel comprised of Anne Milgram, the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Dr. Raul Gupta, the Director of the National Drug Control Policy, and Secretary Todd Robinson, the Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, 14 senators from various states including, Ted Cruz (TX), Cory Booker (NJ), Tim Scott (SC), Jim Risch (ID), Chris Murphy (CT), Pete Ricketts (NE), Ben Cardin (MD), Bill Hagerty (TN), Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Tim Kaine (VA), Jeff Merkley (OR), Todd Young (IN) and Chris Van Holen (MD), and the chairman of the hearing, Bob Menendez (NJ) worked to get a grasp on the reasons behind the soaring overdose rates and ongoing fentanyl epidemic.
Milgram stated that in 2021, 100k Americans overdosed and that 70 percent of those overdoses were from fentanyl poisoning. She continued by saying that from August 2021 to August 2022, 107,735 American lives were lost to drug poisonings. At the end of last year, the DEA seized 57 million fake fentanyl pills, which was 13 thousand pounds of fentanyl that equaled 410 million deadly doses, according to Milgram. That is more than enough to kill every citizen in the United States and still have almost one million pills left over.
“From August 2021 to August 2022, 107,735 American lives were lost to drug poisonings.”
The head of the DEA also stated that social media is not doing enough to curb sales of fentanyl-laced pills, when young users can get access to drugs with just four to five clicks. She called social media a “superhighway for drugs.” Her testimony was poignant. When asked why the cartel would use deadly fentanyl in fake pills, she told the Senate that it’s to get their customers hooked since fentanyl is highly addictive, 50 times more addictive than heroin and 100 times more addictive than morphine. “If a user dies, it’s the cost of doing business,” Milgram said from the cartels’ point of view. If one person dies from a social media sale, there are millions more they can sell to, she said.
Closing the southern border was also discussed at the hearing since 90 percent of fentanyl is transported through ports of entry. That point was muted when Senator Booker quoted the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, who was not present at the hearing, as stating that almost all of the fentanyl seizures at the border were not trafficked by migrants, but by Americans. There was also a bipartisan push to put more pressure on China to do more to stop the import of materials used in making illicit fentanyl; and for Mexico to disband the two main cartels, the Sinaloa and the Jalisco, who make and distribute most of the fake fentanyl-laced pills that make their way into the United States.
You can watch the hearing, which is more than two-hours long, on C-Span, here Government Officials Testify on Fentanyl Trafficking | C-SPAN.org.
What Parents Must Know About Fentanyl
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is a powerful and highly addictive drug that is responsible for a significant portion of the opioid epidemic that has swept across the United States and other countries. The drug is commonly used in medical settings as a strong pain reliever and anesthetic, but it is also frequently used recreationally or hidden, unbeknownst to the user, in illicit pills that teens can purchase from the internet. The dangers of overdosing on fentanyl are significant, and as a parent, it is important to be aware of the signs of use and what to look for.
Why Should I Be Concerned?
I know what you’re thinking, my child would never do this. And I can tell you that almost every parent who has buried their child from fentanyl poisoning, has said the same thing. Their child wasn’t a bad kid, they took a fake pill from a friend or found it online. Children as young as 11 have found these pills on the internet and have succumbed to them.
Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs including cocaine and methamphetamines to enhance their effects, but most teens think they are taking a Percocet™, Xanax™, Oxycodone™, an Adderall™ or similar pill. Many of these illicit fentanyl-laced pills are pressed in someone’s garage or basement and the fake pills are almost impossible to detect from the authentic pills. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) “has found that, of the fentanyl-laced fake…pills analyzed in 2022, six out of ten now contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl.” Children who find these pills on Snapchat, Instagram, and other social media are essentially being poisoned to death. The statistics have grown and the unfortunate familiar scenario of parents waking up to find their children deceased in their rooms has increased too.
“I know what you’re thinking, my child would never do this.”
According to the CDC, more than 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The signs of fentanyl poisoning can be difficult to spot.
However, some common symptoms to watch for include:
- Slow breathing or cessation of breathing
- Extreme drowsiness or unconsciousness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constricted (very small) pupils
- Cold and clammy skin
To help prevent your child from using fentanyl or other opioids, it is important to have open and honest conversations about drug use and the dangers of fentanyl. Encourage your child to seek help if they are struggling with substance abuse or addiction, and make sure they are aware of the resources available to them, such as rehabilitation programs, support groups, and mental health services. Don’t wait. Get help right away.
Where To Get Lifesaving Narcan
The dangers of fentanyl are significant, and as a parent, it is important to be aware of the signs of use and what to look for. If you suspect that your child is using the drug, seek help immediately. By educating yourself and your child, you can help protect them from the dangers of this powerful and super addictive substance.
If you suspect that your child is using fentanyl, it is important to seek help immediately. In cases of overdose, the drug can cause a person to stop breathing, leading to death within minutes. Naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, can be life-saving in these situations. Parents of teen children should keep Narcan (the brand name for Naloxone) in their first aid kit at home and learn how to use it. Schools are stocking up on Narcan and are keeping it in nurses’ offices.
Free Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, can be obtained from several sources. Here are a few places where people can find free Narcan:
- Pharmacies: Many pharmacies, including CVS and Walgreens, offer free Narcan without a prescription. You can call your local pharmacy to see if they participate in this program.
- Health Departments: Many local health departments, such as county health departments, provide free Narcan to those in need. You can contact your local health department for more information.
- Community Organizations: Some community organizations, such as harm reduction organizations and substance abuse treatment centers, offer free Narcan to those at risk of opioid overdose.
- Overdose Prevention Programs: Many cities and states have established overdose prevention programs that provide free Narcan to those at risk of opioid overdose.
- Online Programs: Some online programs, such as the Naloxone Distribution Partnership, offer free Narcan kits through the mail.
It is important to note that laws and availability may vary by state, so it is best to check with local organizations for more information on where to obtain free Narcan. In the event of an overdose, every second counts, so having Narcan on hand can be a lifesaving tool.
Fentanyl: A Growing Threat to Public Health in the U.S.Fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, has emerged as a major public health threat in the United States. The drug is 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and has been linked to a growing number of overdose deaths across the country. According to nationwide statistics from 2022, the number of fentanyl-related overdose deaths has continued to rise, posing a significant challenge to public health officials and law enforcement agencies. Fentanyl is currently the number one killer of 18-to-45-year-olds, more than car accidents and COVID-19 (CDC).
The Rise Of Fentanyl
The rise of fentanyl can be traced back to the opioid epidemic, which began in the early 2000s with the widespread prescription of opioid painkillers. Over time, many people who became addicted to prescription opioids turned to cheaper and more readily available street drugs, including heroin and fentanyl. Today, fentanyl is one of the most common drugs involved in opioid overdoses, and its use has become a major contributor to the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States.
Deaths Are Increasing
In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there were over 47,000 fentanyl-related overdose deaths in the United States, a significant increase from the previous year. This represents a staggering 67% of all opioid overdose deaths, making fentanyl the deadliest opioid in the country. The drug is particularly concerning because it is often mixed with other substances, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, increasing the risk of overdose.
The impact of fentanyl on communities across the United States has been significant. The drug is often sold on the black market and can be easily obtained, leading to widespread use and abuse. In addition, the potency of fentanyl makes it difficult to treat overdoses, and many people die within minutes of taking the drug.
What Is Being Done
In response to the growing threat of fentanyl, public health officials and law enforcement agencies have taken a number of steps to try and combat the drug’s spread. These measures include increased education and outreach efforts, improved access to addiction treatment and naloxone (a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose), and increased enforcement of laws and regulations aimed at preventing the illegal distribution of fentanyl.
Despite these efforts, the rise of fentanyl continues to pose a significant challenge to public health in the United States. To address this issue, it will be important to continue investing in education and outreach efforts, increasing access to addiction treatment, and taking steps to prevent the illegal distribution of the drug.
Fake Pills
In addition to the growing use of illicit fentanyl, another major concern is the increasing prevalence of counterfeit pills containing the drug. These fake pills are often made to look like other prescription medications, such as Xanax or OxyContin, and are sold on the black market to unsuspecting consumers.
These counterfeit pills are particularly dangerous because they often contain unpredictable and potentially deadly amounts of fentanyl. The potency of the drug means that even a small amount can be fatal, and many people who take these fake pills are unaware of the danger they are putting themselves in.
According to nationwide statistics from 2022, the number of overdose deaths related to counterfeit pills containing fentanyl has increased dramatically in recent years. In many cases, these deaths have occurred in people who thought they were taking a different medication and were not aware that they were consuming fentanyl.
The rise of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl highlights the importance of using only medication obtained from a reputable source. It also underscores the need for continued efforts to crack down on the illegal production and distribution of these fake pills, as well as increased public education and outreach efforts aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of counterfeit drugs.
The increasing prevalence of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl is a growing public health concern in the United States. These fake pills are putting unsuspecting people at risk of overdose and death, and it is essential that steps are taken to prevent their spread and increase public awareness of the dangers they pose. To address this issue, it will be important to take a comprehensive approach that includes education, improved access to addiction treatment, and increased enforcement of laws and regulations aimed at preventing the spread of the drug.