'Focus on Fentanyl' video series highlights growing drug danger and county steps to protect the public
Maricopa County announces new video series, Website The goal is to help residents understand the growing impact of fentanyl use and prevent tragedies in their communities. On average, more than three people die each day in Maricopa County due to fentanyl.
“In Focus on Fentanyl” tells the story of a local mother who lost her teenage son after taking a single hydrocodone pill laced with fentanyl, and a young man whose life was dramatically changed by drug use and recovery. In addition to informing, we are also shining a light on the growing number of drug addicts. County efforts to combat fentanyl overdose and crisis.
District 4 Board of Supervisors Chairman Clint Hickman began his term as chairman in January by enlisting county leaders in his mission to address the growing threat. “Focus on Fentanyl” highlights the efforts of Maricopa County departments and elected officials to inform the community about the dangers of fentanyl, overdose prevention and treatment, and law enforcement actions.
“From the coroner's office and public health department tracking critical data and funding drug treatment partners to the sheriff's office and county attorney's office arresting and prosecuting drug dealers to get fentanyl off the streets. “Throughout this process, this has been our focus. It's a priority and we're working hard to protect our neighbors across the county,” Hickman said.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said Maricopa County is on the front lines of the national fentanyl crisis and the county attorney's office is committed to holding drug traffickers accountable. In 2017, the prosecutor's office prosecuted 37 fentanyl cases. In 2022, that number jumped to 6,629 fentanyl cases.
Mitchell said young people, who are most affected by this crisis, lack awareness about drugs and their dangers.
“Our teens, who are most affected by this crisis, don't know what fentanyl is and don't know how deadly it is. They should be able to learn from their mistakes. They don't have to die from them,” she said.
This video series is designed as a tool that community groups can use to educate their audiences, with videos featuring Maricopa County Medical Director Dr. Rebecca Sanenshein about recognizing the signs of an overdose, ) teaches individuals how to administer nasal sprays.
The “Fentanyl Focus” video and other informational resources are available to the public at the following URL: Maricopa.gov/Fentanyl.
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This collection of stories and resources is designed to help families, teachers, school administrators, community leaders, public health partners, and law enforcement start the conversation. Our focus on fentanyl can save lives. |
“Together we fight fentanyl” community forum
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office will continue a series of free community forums featuring County Attorney Rachel Mitchell and a panel of experts sharing valuable insights and resources. The Spanish language forum will be held on February 6th at 6pm at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1375 E. Broadway Road. The English Forum will be held March 4 at 6 p.m. at Notre Dame Preparatory High School, 9701 E. Bell Road. For more information, visit Maricopa.gov/fentanyl.
Fast facts about fentanyl
The Maricopa County Coroner's Office reports:
- Fentanyl overtakes meth as Arizona's deadliest drug
- Fentanyl deaths have increased nearly 5,000 percent since 2015
- 60% of drug-related deaths involve fentanyl
