The Fayetteville Police Department said they have seen an increase in drug overdoses from synthetic opioids in the past several months. Police are encouraging community members to carry Naloxone (Narcan). It is a nasal spray that will rapidly reverse an opioid overdose and restore breathing.
Fayetteville police are urging community members to carry Narcan due to a large number of opioid overdoses in the area.
The Fayetteville Police Department said they have seen an increase in drug overdoses from synthetic opioids in the past several months. Police are encouraging community members to carry Naloxone (Narcan). It is a nasal spray that will rapidly reverse an opioid overdose and restore breathing.
“Our immediate priority is preventing the additional loss of life. Synthetic opioids do not discriminate, and one exposure can be fatal,” said Fayetteville Police Department Major Shawn Strepay. “We ask everyone in our community to take this warning seriously and to call 911 immediately if an overdose is suspected.”
Police were called to a location on Saturday where three people were experiencing overdoses. Upon arrival, officers began lifesaving measures and called EMS. Two people died, and one person was taken to the hospital in serious condition.
People around Fayetteville agreed that carrying Narcan is a smart preventative measure while acknowledging the need for addiction resources.
“Even though Narcan is a very important preventative measure, I think there’s more things that could get to the root of the issue before that,” said Indie Luther, a Fayetteville resident.
“We urge friends and family members to have those difficult, but necessary, conversations with loved ones struggling with substance abuse. Warn them about this circulating danger and encourage them to seek help before it is too late,” Strepay said.
That message was echoed by another resident who works with Fayetteville Pride, which an organization supporting the city’s LGBTQ+ community and allies.
“Down here especially we have a lot of unhoused people,” said Krystal Maddox. “We do a lot of community activities and a lot of work in the community, so I know a lot of our members carry it.”
Where to find Naloxone (Narcan):
- Naloxone is available for free from the Cumberland County Department of Public Health, located at 1235 Ramsey St.
- Local pharmacies will offer Nalaxone without a prescription.
- For more information on distribution, visit naloxonesave-nc.org