Public Health and Safety Professionals
Public health and safety professionals include law enforcement officials, first responders (including police, fire, and paramedics), and professionals supporting access to treatment and recovery services in the criminal justice system. As individuals working directly and indirectly with people who use drugs, these professionals are critical to preventing overdoses and reducing stigma related to drug use and addiction. The materials below are intended to provide public health and safety professionals with information to address ways people can reduce harm when using drugs, make people aware of specific dangers associated with drug use, promote drug treatment and connections to care, and ultimately prevent overdose deaths.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S.
- Facts About Fentanyl oversized postcard
Naloxone
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications.
*Based on CDC Vital Signs report
