Dare Health and Human Services seeks business partners for ‘Fentanyl Kills’ campaign

By Outer Banks Voice on March 16, 2023

 (DEA.org)

As part of its continuing efforts to combat the use and spread of dangerous drugs, the Dare County Department of Health and Human Services (DCDHHS) is launching a “Fentanyl Kills” public education campaign and seeking partners to help spread that message.

Last month, the Voice reported on an effort by DCDHHS to supply fentanyl test strips, naloxone, medicine lock boxes, medicine disposal kits and other resources to businesses—such as gas stations and grocery stores—that that agree to partner in the effort, allowing patrons to pick up the materials at no cost. (SEE: Dare Health officials and merchants partner to save lives)

As part of the national opioid settlement funding, Dare County will receive $3.4 million over the next 18 years, with $420,000 designated for the current fiscal year—some of which is going to fund the “Fentanyl Kills” campaign.

Here is the information from DCDHHS.

The Dare County Department of Health and Human Services (DCDHHS) is launching a “Fentanyl Kills” Mass Public Awareness Campaign and is seeking to partner with local businesses, agencies and restaurants that are interested in increasing community awareness around the dangers of fentanyl.

Participating organizations or businesses can sign up to receive materials and supplies such as posters, stickers, pens and bar napkins that share important messages aimed at educating and preventing deaths from fentanyl. DCDHHS can also provide businesses with dispensers containing lifesaving tools such as Fentanyl test strips and Naloxone, which rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.

The “Fentanyl Kills” campaign, funded with monies allotted to Dare County through the national opioid settlement last year, will include advertising via radio, social media and other targeted digital marketing that share vital information to the public on the dangers of fentanyl.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported last month that 4,041 people lost their lives to overdose in 2021, representing a 22 percent increase over the prior year. Of those deaths, more than 77% likely involved fentanyl. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is on the drug market in different forms and is commonly mixed with other drugs.

To participate in the “Fentanyl Kills” campaign, please fill out the following form:  https://forms.gle/912eBMFCuRFvgC5t9. For more information about the campaign, contact DCDHHS Health Education and Outreach Manager Roxana Ballinger at 252-475-5619 or roxana.ballinger@darenc.gov.

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