N.H. Officials Confirm Opioid Used In Large-Animal Tranquilizers Responsible For 3 Deaths In State
"I think we all understand that it is likely not the last day that we talk about this issue,” Gov. Chris Sununu said about the powerful synthetic opioid appearing in the state. Media outlets report on news about the epidemic out of Massachusetts, New York, Louisiana, Florida and California, as well.
New Hampshire Public Radio:
Carfentanil, One Hundred Times More Powerful Than Fentanyl, Confirmed In N.H.
Public health officials announced Tuesday that for the first time in New Hampshire, the synthetic opioid carfentanil was found in the blood of three residents who died from overdoses. The drug is approximately 100 times more potent than fentanyl, and is commonly used as a tranquilizer for large animals, including elephants. (Bookman, 4/25)
The New Hampshire Union Leader:
3 NH Deaths Attributed To Carfentanil, Deadly New Addition To Drug Peril
Timothy Pifer, director of the state forensic lab, said the state had just received confirmation that carfentanil was the cause of death. "Our biggest fear was that carfentanil would make its appearance in New Hampshire, and unfortunately we have documented its presence today," he said. When asked if other states had reported the drug, he said, “At present time I am not aware of carfentanil being confirmed in any of the other New England states.” (Solomon and Grossmith, 4/25)
The Concord Monitor:
Three N.H. Drug Deaths Linked To Elephant Tranquilizer Carfentanil
Two men in Manchester died from the drug on March 11 and March 13 and another man in Meredith overdosed on the drug on March 13, according to New Hampshire Attorney General Gordon MacDonald. State officials said the New Hampshire Medical Examiner was able to confirm the link to carfentanil on Tuesday and said there have been no arrests in the deaths so far. (Nilsen, 4/25)
Boston Globe:
Feds Give Mass. Nearly $12 Million Grant To Fight Opioid Abuse
Massachusetts has received an $11.7 million federal grant to fight opioid addiction, as the state continues to wrestle with an overdose epidemic that has claimed thousands of lives in recent years, Governor Charlie Baker’s administration said Tuesday. The grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will support a number of treatment and recovery programs, including initiatives to help at-risk women who are pregnant and inmates scheduled to be released, the administration said in a statement. (Andersen and Geanous, 4/25)
The Associated Press:
NY Senate OKs Package Of Bills Aimed At Opioid, Heroin Use
The New York state Senate has passed a new collection of bills aimed at battling the state's increasing rates of opioid and heroin abuse. The Senate on Monday passed eight bills to staunch heroin, opioid and synthetic drug use that lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo have declared a statewide crisis. (4/25)
The New Orleans Times-Picayune:
Bill To Reduce Opioid Abuse, Diversion Passes Louisiana Senate
The State Senate on Monday (April 24) passed legislation designed to reduce the abuse and diversion of opioid pain medications like oxycodone and hydrocodone, drugs that have contributed to an unprecedented health crisis in the U.S. over the past decade. The bill now heads to a House committee for approval. (Lipinski, 4/25)
Health News Florida:
FAU Partners With DEA To Raise Awareness About South Florida's Opioid Crisis
According to official records, more than 1,000 people in South Florida overdosed last year on opioids including heroin and carfentanil -- a drug so potent it’s used as an elephant tranquilizer. The growing threat of the opioids epidemic is mobilizing law enforcement and community leaders to form new partnerships and collaborate in events such as last week's discussion hosted by Florida Atlantic University (FAU). (Stein, 4/25)
San Jose Mercury News:
Prescription Drug Take Back Day Coming To Northern California
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has organized a take-back day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The DEA has partnered with thousands of state, local and tribal law enforcement and community partners to provide more than 150 drop-off sites around Northern California and hundreds more throughout the nation. (Gomez, 4/25)
