Blog

Summer should be a time for sunshine, fun, and freedom—but it also comes with risks, especially for children and teens navigating peer pressure, boredom, and unstructured time. At We Fight Fentanyl, we believe prevention doesn’t stop when school lets out. In fact, summer is one of the most important times to stay informed, engaged, and…

In Monroe County, prevention doesn’t take a summer break—and neither does Debra Hartley. As a passionate prevention specialist and community educator, Deb is taking bold steps this summer to engage youth, families, and local organizations across our County with programs designed to empower, educate, and protect.

At We Fight Fentanyl, we understand that getting help for substance use disorder isn’t always simple. Transportation challenges, confusion about where to start, and long wait times can make an already difficult situation feel impossible. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Recovery Route, a new program designed to eliminate barriers and make access to treatment…

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…

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…

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…

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…

As our national opioid crisis continues to affect Monroe County and communities across the country. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day provides an important opportunity to fight back. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is your chance to safely dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medications.

September is an important time in the fight against substance abuse and mental health struggles. It’s National Recovery Month, which provides a month-long opportunity to focus on the importance of recovery, the power of support, and the resources available to those who are battling addiction.

Addiction isn’t just something that happens to someone else. Fentanyl is not a distant problem in a faraway place. It happens here, where you live, to people you care about. It can happen to your brother, your sister, your cousin, your friend, your neighbor, your mom, your dad, your son, your daughter — and it…

Summer is a time for fun, relaxation, and social gatherings. However, with the increase in events and activities, the risk of encountering fentanyl and other opioids also rises.

You’ve almost certainly seen the billboards around Carbon, Monroe, and Pike counties. Perhaps you’ve checked out the social media pages. Maybe even subscribed to the newsletter. And if you’re reading this, then you’ve definitely found the website. Congratulations! You’ve helped achieve the first step of the WeFightFentanyl campaign — general awareness.

With more than 70,000 fentanyl overdose deaths in America last year alone, communities across America are united in tragedy. Some go further, uniting also in awareness and understanding to make great impacts in the fight against opioid abuse.

Local businesses are rallying against the fentanyl crisis, spreading crucial awareness with ‘Fight Fentanyl’ stickers on take-out boxes. Join the movement to combat addiction and save lives. Learn more about their impactful efforts.

Overdoses can happen to anyone who uses opioids, whether illicitly, accidentally, or by prescription. If you know someone who uses or has access to the powerful painkillers, then you should know what to do in case they take too much. That means being ready with a dose of naloxone.

Spring cleaning is not only a time to clear your home of unused and unwanted junk. It’s also a chance to sweep your home of a lurking danger. As you sweep your attic, closets, dressers, or garage, take time to clean out your medicine cabinet. It could save a life.