By David Atteberry, Public Safety Manager
Alaska Native communities in the Interior are facing a growing crisis as fentanyl is increasingly being mixed into other drugs, leading to a devastating rise in overdoses and deaths. Once primarily linked to heroin, fentanyl is now being found in methamphetamines, cocaine, counterfeit prescription pills, and even marijuana. This alarming trend puts individuals at extreme risk, especially those who may not realize they are consuming fentanyl.
Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Even a tiny amount—equivalent to a few grains of salt—can be fatal. Many of our rural communities have limited access to emergency medical services, making overdoses even more dangerous. The remoteness of villages means that response times are often too long, and life-saving interventions like naloxone (Narcan) must be readily available within the community.
Drug dealers are pressing fentanyl into pills that look like prescription medications or mixing it with other substances to increase potency and maximize profits. This makes it nearly impossible for users to know what they are taking, leading to unintended and often deadly overdoses. The spread of fentanyl is tearing through families, creating deep and lasting harm to our communities.
Tanana Chiefs Conference, Tribal leadership, and law enforcement agencies are working to combat this crisis by increasing access to Narcan, promoting fentanyl test strips, and providing education on the dangers of synthetic opioids. Community involvement is key—by raising awareness, supporting prevention efforts, and looking out for one another, we can help protect our people.
This crisis affects us all. It is crucial that we work together to keep fentanyl out of our villages and ensure that every community has the resources needed to save lives.
Act Fast, Save a Life!
Narcan is a nasal spray that can stop an overdose in its tracks, and carrying it could mean the difference between life and death for someone you love. Wellness & Prevention offers free Narcan to anyone interested.
To place your order, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TCCNARCAN. Have questions? Call Wellness & Prevention at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3941.