Two indicted for three overdose deaths in Chowan County

Read the original article and watch the video on the WITN website.

Published: Sep. 20, 2024 at 11:41 AM EDT|Updated: Sep. 20, 2024 at 3:24 PM EDT

EDENTON, N.C. (WITN) – Two people have been indicted for three overdose deaths that happened in one Eastern Carolina County.

The SBI announced this morning the arrests of Steven Patrick, Jr. and Jaโ€™Nyryah White, both of Edenton.

The three deaths happened last December, along with several other non-fatal ODs, within 15 days of each other.

The victims were 66-year-old Janice Chilcutt, 61-year-old Ronald Adderly, and 24-year-old April Tapia.

Chilcutt and Adderly died in Edenton, while Tapiaโ€™s death was in the county.

A Chowan County grand jury indicted Patrick on two counts of death by distribution for the Edenton deaths, while White was charged with one count of death by distribution for the Chowan County death.

The SBI was brought in to investigate the deaths at the request of the Edenton Police Department and the Chowan County Sheriffโ€™s Office.

Patrick was given a $500,000 secured bond, and Whiteโ€™s bond was $250,000 secured. Both suspects remain in jail.

Use of opioid overdose antidote by laypersons rose 43% from 2020 to 2022, study finds

CNN โ€” 

After years of continuously rising opioid overdoses, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that overdose deaths decreased 3% in 2023, the first annual decrease since 2018. A new study shows how the increased administration of naloxone by non-medical laypersons โ€“ or bystanders with little to no medical training โ€“ could be one factor contributing to this decline.

Naloxone, best known by the brand name Narcan, became available over the counter last fall.ย 

Making naloxone, a drug used to reverse opioid overdose thatโ€™s commonly known as Narcan, more widely available has been part of concentrated efforts to increase layperson intervention.

The new study, published Monday in the journal JAMA Network Open, says that from June 2020 to June 2022, emergency medical services reported 744,078 patients receiving naloxone across the US. The researchers found that EMS-documented naloxone administration rates fell 6.1% in this period, but the percentage of people who got naloxone from a layperson before EMS arrival increased 43.5%.

Continue reading “Use of opioid overdose antidote by laypersons rose 43% from 2020 to 2022, study finds”

Bringing Attention to the Worst Drug Crisis in US History (Fentanyl Awareness Message For Youth)

Imagine if your child went to sleep tonight, never to wake up in the morning. If you can’t, then share this video message.

SAVE A LIFE. The time is NOW. “Fentanyl, which is often hidden in counterfeit pills, is fueling the worst drug crisis in U.S. history. Last year the synthetic opioid killed more than 70,000 Americans.” -60 Minutes on CBS

Just Two Questions has created this video to tell Wilson Moore’s story and raise awareness of the risks of counterfeit pills in America.

Reversing a fentanyl overdose with naloxone

Medical examiner Dr. Steven Campman told 60 Minutes that more than two doses of naloxone, a life-saving drug that can reverse opioid overdoses, might be necessary to save the life of someone who has overdosed on fentanyl. “60 Minutes” is the most successful television broadcast in history. Offering hard-hitting investigative reports, interviews, feature segments and profiles of people in the news, the broadcast began in 1968 and is still a hit, over 50 seasons later, regularly making Nielsen’s Top 10.

Fentanyl fueling worst drug crisis in U.S. history, killing 70,000 a year | 60 Minutes

See the original video clip and read the article on the 60 Minutes website.

Fentanyl, which is often hidden in counterfeit pills, is fueling the worst drug crisis in U.S. history. Last year the synthetic opioid killed more than 70,000 Americans.

Facing Fentanyl National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day August 21

August 21st marks National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Dayโ„ข, a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring the memory of those who have fallen victim to illicit fentanyl poisoning. It serves as a poignant reminder of the profound devastation inflicted upon countless families and friends affected by this perilous drug. This day stands as a unified effort among fentanyl awareness organizations, impacted families, and individuals sharing their lived experiences to collectively warn and inform our youth, the public, and the unsuspecting.

This nationwide initiative urges all Americans to unite in the cause. Federal, state, and local agencies are called to participate actively, contributing to the vital mission of saving lives through heightened prevention and awareness efforts. Hosting community events dedicated to National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day and disseminating resources on fentanyl and other hazardous substances can prove instrumental in safeguarding lives.

The gravity of the situation cannot be overstated. Fentanyl represents the gravest drug threat our nation has ever faced, propagated by transnational criminals. Alarmingly, an American succumbs to a drug-related death every five minutes, with children under 14 bearing a disproportionate burden of fatalities from fentanyl poisoning. Exploiting social media platforms, distributors are making access to dangerous drugs alarmingly easy for our youth. Thus, comprehensive prevention education is imperative to stem the tide of this crisis.

It is incumbent upon us all to be well-informed about the perils of illicit fentanyl. By collectively spreading awareness about its dangers, we can shield families from the anguish of fentanyl-related tragedies. Let us join forces to educate, advocate, and protect our communities, fostering a culture of health, productivity, and drug-free living.

Think buying fake products is harmless? Think again.

The National Crime Prevention Council put out this video and announcement on National Fentanyl Awareness Day. The video is part of the NCPC “Go For Real Campaign”.

Today, on National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, the nation unites to honor the memory of loved ones poisoned to death by this drug. This day also serves as an opportunity to elevate this issue. Letโ€™s push for action to stop another family from losing a loved one to this crisis.

The National Crime Prevention Council is resolved to keep fighting fentanyl. Public awareness is always the first step. Thatโ€™s why McGruff will continue to educate with the PSA you see here.

Despite the progress made in advocating for public policy changes, holding social media companies accountable, and reducing the supply and demand of illicit drug distribution channelsโ€”we have to do more.

This crisis remains a persistent threat, and our commitment to addressing it must be equally steadfast. This shouldnโ€™t be a focus for just today, but every day.

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