(WNY News Now) – The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) has issued a public alert regarding the detection of carfentanil, a dangerously potent synthetic opioid, in the local unregulated drug supply.
The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) has identified carfentanil in recent toxicology tests of the local unregulated drug supply. Carfentanil, a fentanyl analogue, is up to 100 times more potent than fentanyl and poses significant risks of overdose or death even in minuscule amounts.
Key Safety Recommendations
ECDOH urges individuals who use unregulated drugs to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of overdose:
- Never Use Alone: Have Narcan (naloxone) and someone who is not using drugs nearby. Alternatively, use resources like Never Use Alone (neverusealone.com).
- Carry Narcan and Learn Its Use: Narcan can reverse carfentanil overdoses, but due to the extreme potency of carfentanil, multiple doses may be required. Immediate administration is critical to restore breathing.
- Test Drugs When Possible: Fentanyl test strips can detect the presence of fentanyl, though they may not reliably identify carfentanil or its potency.
- Practice Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling unregulated drugs to avoid accidental ingestion or inhalation.
The alert emphasizes that unregulated drugs, including cocaine, are increasingly contaminated with opioids such as fentanyl and carfentanil. Community members are encouraged to recognize signs of overdose, such as unconsciousness, slow or stopped breathing, and blue-tinged skin, and to act quickly with Narcan.
Community Resources
Erie County offers free Narcan training to empower the public with life-saving skills. For more information, visit erie.gov/narcan.
Overdose Deaths in 2024
The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office reported 376 confirmed or suspected drug overdose deaths in 2024, representing a preliminary 14% decline from the record 436 deaths in 2023. Despite the decline, Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein stresses that “each of these deaths is preventable, and each is one too many.”
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