Two dead after synthetic opioid overdose in Fayetteville, NC
Two people died and a third was hospitalised in serious condition after ingesting a suspected synthetic opioid in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Two dead, one hospitalised in Fayetteville synthetic opioid incident
Two people died and a third was taken to hospital in serious condition after ingesting a substance believed to be a synthetic opioid in Fayetteville, North Carolina, abc11.com reports.
Officers from the Fayetteville Police Department responded to a call that three individuals had consumed what appeared to be a synthetic opioid. Police began lifesaving measures, including CPR, and summoned emergency medical personnel to the scene. Despite those efforts, two of the three did not survive.
"Our immediate priority is preventing additional loss of life. Synthetic opioids do not discriminate, and one exposure can be fatal," said Fayetteville Police Department Maj. Shawn Strepay.
Strepay urged friends and family members to speak openly with loved ones struggling with substance abuse. "Warn them about this circulating danger and encourage them to seek help before it is too late," he said, adding that residents should call 911 immediately if an overdose is suspected.
The department said it is working with local, state and federal partners to identify the source of the illegal narcotics and hold those responsible accountable.
The incident is not the first sign of pressure on the community. In August, the Fayetteville Police Department responded to a spike in suspected synthetic opioid overdoses, prompting officials on 13 August to warn residents about a potentially dangerous drug supply circulating in the area.
Authorities are also working with the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition through the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) programme, which connects people struggling with substance use disorders to behavioural health treatment, housing and recovery services rather than routing them through the criminal justice system.
Police encouraged residents to carry Naloxone — commonly known as Narcan — a nasal spray that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose and restore breathing. The medication is available without a prescription at most pharmacies. Free Naloxone is also distributed through the Cumberland County Department of Public Health at 1235 Ramsey St.
Anyone struggling with substance use can contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support. People experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can also call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)