Bernalillo County, in collaboration with various organizations, will host Fentanyl Awareness Week in an effort to educate the public and combat the fentanyl crisis. The initiative will include public workshops, outreach efforts, and community discussions, according to a press release.
"The fentanyl crisis continues to stretch across the U.S. and New Mexico is among those waging a war against the deadly drug. The destruction fentanyl causes not only affects its abusers, but their families, friends, co-workers… even complete strangers," announced Bernalillo County.
Fentanyl Awareness Week is set to commence on Sunday, October 22, with a screening of "All the World is Sleeping" at the Hiland Theater, followed by a community discussion. Information sessions will take place from October 23 to October 30, covering various topics such as overdose education, naloxone training, accessing treatment services, emerging drug trends, and the intersection of human trafficking and substance use. The sessions will also address issues of gender-based violence, toxic masculinity, trauma healing, and more.
"The impact of this drug is devastating to our community," said Bernalillo County Manager Julie Morgas Baca. "With an aggressive vigilance towards education and awareness, we can combat this deadly trend. That's the purpose of Fentanyl Awareness Week."
Workshops during the week will be held at various venues, including the BernCo Commission Chambers and Gateway Center in Albuquerque, as well as the APS Berna Facio Center and Sandoval County Chambers in Bernalillo. The event will conclude with a candlelight vigil on Sunday, October 29, at One Civic Plaza in downtown Albuquerque.
Participation in Fentanyl Awareness Week is free, and reservations can be made online, as stated in the press release.