When we met with Laycia Ianniello, her strength was undeniable. At just 16 years old, she has faced a loss no child should ever have to endure—the passing of her father due to fentanyl. Despite the pain, Laycia has turned her grief into advocacy, using her voice to spread awareness and prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak.
Monroe County has made significant strides in the battle against fentanyl, with the community coming together to combat this crisis. In a recent interview, we spoke with a Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS), who shared valuable insights into the progress being made, the challenges that remain, and the hope for the future.
Valentine’s Day is traditionally a time to express love and care for others, but it’s also an opportunity to focus on the most important relationship of all—the one you have with yourself. Self-care isn’t just about pampering; it’s about taking steps to ensure your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. This Valentine’s Day, let’s explore how self-care and community care go hand-in-hand, especially when it comes to protecting ourselves and our loved ones from the dangers of fentanyl and other substances.
We’re Reflecting on a Year of Results—
As we ring in the new year, we also celebrate a major milestone. It’s the one-year anniversary of the We Fight Fentanyl campaign. Launched in December 2023, this initiative was born out of a desperate need to combat the devastating impact of fentanyl and other opioids in Monroe County. One year later, we’re making a difference.
Mental health can suffer when the days get shorter and temperatures drop. In December, many experience shifts in mood and behavior. These seasonal changes can lead to an increased risk of substance misuse. That includes the risks of fentanyl.
Competitive sports build character, support a healthy lifestyle, and provide a lot of fun for young people, and that’s just the start of an endless list of benefits that student athletes will experience during the winter sports season. And though the positives are clear, there are potential risks. It’s important to recognize them and be prepared.