Deadly Overdose Epidemic Hits Franklin County: Fentanyl Awareness Project Launched
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A devastating trend has gripped Franklin County, with at least 84 percent of overdose deaths in 2020 involving fentanyl, a highly potent and deadly opioid. United States Attorney David M. DeVillers has taken a bold step to combat this crisis by launching the Fentanyl in Narcotic Drugs Awareness Project (FIND Awareness Project), a messaging campaign aimed at warning the public that any drug cut with fentanyl is deadly.
According to data, from January through June 2020, overdoses increased more than 73 percent when compared to the same time period in 2019. This alarming trend has prompted U.S. Attorney DeVillers to take action, utilizing billboards, targeted social media ads, and websites to reach the public and encourage individuals to seek treatment and resources.
The FIND Awareness Project includes billboards placed in the Columbus zip codes experiencing the highest rates of overdose deaths. The billboards warn users of the recently increasing prevalence of fentanyl in stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine and in pressed pills like street Oxy and Xanax. They also encourage the public to learn more about treatment and resources at FINDawarenessproject.com and FindTreatment.gov.
Targeted social media ads and websites will link individuals to a treatment database searchable by community, overdose statistics, information about law enforcement initiatives and outreach, and a way to report suspected drug activity. “We will go after the cartels from every angle, and we will continue to investigate and prosecute high-level drug dealers,” U.S. Attorney DeVillers said. “At the same time, we also hope to reduce demand for their products by encouraging people to save their lives and seek treatment. Addiction does not have to be deadly.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office created the campaign with funding from the Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and assistance from Franklin County Coroner Dr. Anahi Ortiz and Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein. While the task of combating the opioid crisis is daunting, U.S. Attorney DeVillers remains committed to saving lives and reducing the devastating impact of fentanyl on Ohio communities.
The launch of the FIND Awareness Project marks a significant step forward in the fight against the opioid epidemic. With the help of this campaign, U.S. Attorney DeVillers hopes to make a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction and to bring an end to the senseless loss of life caused by fentanyl.
The public is encouraged to learn more about the FIND Awareness Project and to seek help at FINDawarenessproject.com and FindTreatment.gov.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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