BUFFALO, N.Y. — A deadly drug rips through communities.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is responsible for 371 overdose deaths in Erie County. The county's Department of Health says numbers hit record highs this year.
"That's 20% higher than all the deaths in 2022, and we're not even done with the year yet," health commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein said.
A new fentanyl analog has emerged in the county. It's called carfentanil.
Dr. Burstein confirmed the first overdose death linked to the substance in September. A toxicology report for that case confirms multiple substances present: carfentanil, cocaine, fentanyl, and other fentanyl analogs.
"It's 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more than fentanyl," Dr. Burstein says.
She added, "It starts to act very quickly and lasts longer than fentanyl. The problem is that it's so potent a small amount can kill people."
Dr. Burstein says Narcan will help with overdose victims. The dosage amount has to be greater. However, Dr. Burstein said drug dealers are putting the illicit drug in substances such as cocaine and other drugs.
"It's typically used by vets to sedate very large animals like elephants and rhinos. Unfortunately, drug dealers had been adding it as a filler to give it a kick to any illicit substances like cocaine and heroin," Dr. Burstein said.
The Erie County Department of Health offers harm reduction supplies and peer support at 716-858-7695. Other ways to reduce the risk of harm from drug use:
- Carry Narcan, and know how and when to use it. Text (716) 225-5473 to have Narcan and fentanyl test strips mailed to you for free.
- Never use it alone. Have Narcan and a friend with you who is not using drugs, or contact a service like Never Use Alone (neverusealone.com)
- Test your drugs for fentanyl even if you think it is cocaine or another substance that is not an opioid. Free test strips are available from the Erie County Department of Health. Call (716) 858-7695.
- Seek support. ECDOH has peer navigators and a family coordinator; call (716) 858-7695. The Buffalo & Erie County Addictions Hotline is available 24/7 with referrals for individuals and their families. Call (716) 831-7007.
- Seek treatment. Local hospital emergency departments can connect patients to immediate medication-assisted treatment. Ask for the MATTERS Network.