Fentanyl Free Oregon was proud to partner with the Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties to raise awareness about the dangers of street fentanyl and other illicit drugs with families in West Salem and Polk County.
Supported by grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Polk County Board of Commissioners, the Communities Talk event brought parents, caregivers, and families together during Red Ribbon Week to learn about substance use prevention and how they can help keep young people safe.
Observed each year from October 23–31, Red Ribbon Week is a national drug prevention campaign that encourages communities to educate young people and promote healthy, drug-free choices.
As part of this effort, Fentanyl Free Oregon hosted a free community event at the West Salem Boys & Girls Club. Administrators Mary Louise and Ryan Gail discussed the risks associated with underage alcohol use and opioids (two of Polk County’s top concerns), as well as how to recognize a potential opioid overdose and administer Narcan in an emergency. Parents and caregivers also learned strategies for having open, caring, and effective conversations with their children about substance use and misuse.
Fentanyl Free Oregon also shared Narcan take-home kits created by Community Medical Services in Salem.
Robbin Kerner, Chief Development Officer at Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties, recognized Fentanyl Free Oregons’ efforts during a presentation to Salem City Council the same evening.
Thank you to the Boys & Girls Club and all of our community partners for helping bring this important, potentially lifesaving information to parents and families throughout West Salem and Polk County.
