Concord, N.H. (August 15, 2024) – Fentanyl continues to be highly prevalent in illicit substances and fake pills. It is widespread and deadly and it’s here in New Hampshire. With National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day on August 21, officials in New Hampshire are joining voices nationwide to call on all individuals to be aware and informed of the life-threatening dangers associated with fentanyl, a substance that it is 50 to 100 times stronger than heroin and morphine.
On this day through the statewide public awareness campaign “No Safe Experience,” the Granite State will shine a red spotlight at several venues and during events to educate youth, young adults and families of the prevalence and dangers of fentanyl.
“Fentanyl is a deadly, unforgiving and often invisible drug that is prevalent in many other illicit drugs and pills,” said NH State Police Colonel Mark Hall when discussing the fentanyl prevalence in New Hampshire. “It is imperative that we continually bring awareness to the fact that there is simply No Safe Experience when it comes to experimentation and the use of illicit substances of any kind.”
In 2023, fentanyl accounted for over 80% of drug overdose deaths in New Hampshire according to a report from the NH Office of Chief Medical Examiner. It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills that are made to resemble other prescription opioids. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) seven out of 10 fake prescription pills contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl, including frequently illegally reproduced pills such as Adderall® and Xanax®.
Announced in 2023 by NH Governor Chris Sununu, No Safe Experience is focused on individuals who may be inclined to try substances without fully understanding what they are, where they came from and what might actually be in them.
“Fentanyl is a growing crisis that poses a threat to public health and the well-being of the people of New Hampshire,” said Sununu in a 2024 proclamation naming August 21 Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day in NH. “It is important that the public educate themselves on the severity of this epidemic and the risk it poses to them and their loved ones…”
Across the state, officials and NH State Police will be spreading the word about No Safe Experience at two public events on National and NH Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. The public will learn the facts at The Cage the Elephant concert at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford. Volunteers and NH Troopers will be stationed throughout the venue’s concourse and will spread the word about the dangers of fentanyl with concertgoers and provide them the opportunity to honor the memory of loved ones whose lives have been taken early from the lethal drug. Baseball fans will have that same opportunity that evening at the Fisher Cats game at Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester. The first pitch will be thrown by a trooper with the NH State Police.
“Far too many people’s lives are ending early from fentanyl,” said Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais who is attending the Fisher Cats event. “This is a dangerous substance. I am happy to support the Governor, State Police and Department of Safety on helping to spread the word that there is No Safe Experience with illicit substances.”
Local businesses and state offices across New Hampshire will also show support for this important mission by painting the town red. The Hotel Concord and Manchester City Hall will display red lights, the color of the No Safe Experience campaign, on August 21.
For more information, facts and resources, visit NoSafeExperience.org.
