Philadelphia is partnering with NMS Labs of Horsham to test the local street drug supply for fentanyl and xylazine, a deadly combination that is not only causing increased overdose deaths, but also painful skin infections and withdrawal symptoms. Narcan is not as effective in reviving those who use this combination, a factor in the increased overdose death rate. Other counties should also test their street drug supply and inform known users, outreach workers and first responders. New training may be in order (Today's Sunday Philadelphia Inquirer, Health Section).
Thank you Martha Hagstrom! Excellent article on the struggle to take back Kensington, block by block.
Malvern-based Endo Files Chapter 11 Pending Thousands of Law Suites For Damages Caused By Its Percocet and Generic Brand Opioid Painkillers
Endo paid a $29 million 2021 salary to its CEO while layoffs loom for Malvern- based employees, pennies on the dollar remain for creditors and investors and they established a $550 million trust fund for over 2000 state, county and city plaintiffs for damages done by its Percocet and generic opioid painkillers (today's Philadelphia Inquirer).
Two Ohio counties receive $650 million damage awards from three drug store chains for irresponsible opioid distribution.
80 million pills were dispensed between 2012-2016 in one county, equivalent to 400 pills per resident (today's Philadelphia Inquirer).
OCAN Supports Legalization of Fentanyl Test Strips. It Is Time to Save Lives!
Jefferson Emergency Physician, Kory London, Endorses Fentanyl Test Strip Legislation, yesterday's Philadelphia Inquirer, Op-Ed
OCAN Advocates for Narcan Distribution and Overdose Curricula for all High School and College Students
Opioid Crisis Action Network (OCAN) agrees with this op ed by Penn senior Mickey Kennedy, published in today's Philadelphia Inquirer. We also advocate for a similar high school curriculum, Narcan training of school nurses, administrators, security staff and teachers with supplies provided to every staff member. It is time to get serious about saving lives.
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Opioid Crisis Action Network Recovery Fund (OCAN-RF) writes grant for one month's rent to New Beginnings Recovery Home in Ambler, PA on behalf of resident, Ryan Large
The Opioid Crisis Action Network (OCAN) wrote a second grant recently to the New Beginnings Recovery Home in Ambler, PA on behalf of Ryan Large, pictured below, to cover a month's rent. Ryan reached out to me for financial support after a health issue temporarily prevented him from working. I met Ryan at the recovery home again a few weeks after he provided me with a tour, displaying what a clean, comfortable home it is. I had already spoken to co-owner Tara Gaudioso, and learned about their rules, services and practices. They strongly encourage residents to attend IOP therapy sessions and support those, like Ryan, pursuing a medical best practices medication - assisted treatment (MAT) regime, which has helped him stay sober for almost two years now. Ryan has had a difficult journey but is serious about his recovery and his goal is to be self-sufficient within a month and continue to be a friend to those in recovery. Please contribute so we can continue our mission to help those in recovery.
Savage Sisters Gala! Have fun! Save a life! See you there! Thursday, 8/18/22, 7:00, Warehouse on Watts (W.O.W.) 923 N. Watts st. Philadelphia, PA 19123
We hope you can come out Thursday night, August 18th and have some fun for a good cause! The Savage Sisters is a non profit that runs best practices recovery homes and provides outreach services for those suffering addiction on the streets. Have fun. Save a life. See you there!
OCAN Wrote a Grant Today to the Unity Recovery Home in Pottstown, PA, for two weeks rent, on behalf of Tia Ferrell.
The Opioid Crisis Action Network (OCAN) wrote a grant today to the Unity Recovery Home in Pottstown, PA on behalf of Tia Ferrell, pictured below, to cover her first two weeks rent. Tia was referred to us by her sponsor; I texted Tia, we talked on the phone and then I spoke to Darnell Hinton and Richard Heath from Unity. We plan to meet at the home 8/19 to receive a tour. Tia has already moved in and says it is a clean, comfortable, well- run home. They also support those like Tia pursuing medical best practices medication - assisted treatment (MAT) regimes, which has helped her stay sober for almost a month now. Tia has had a difficult journey but is serious about her recovery and her goal is to be self sufficient within a month. Go Tia! Please contribute so we can continue our mission to help those in recovery.
