Fentanyl Free Oregon was proud to sponsor this year’s Polk County Fair, one of the region’s most popular summer events. Participating in events like the fair allows us to connect directly with people in the community and share important information about staying safe from the dangers of illicit fentanyl.
This year, we surveyed visitors who stopped by our booth about what they believe is the greatest substance abuse threat facing Polk County. Combined with data collected at the Sounds of Summer Festival in Dallas, Oregon on August 7, we received 283 responses.
Our data showed that 47% of respondents saw fentanyl and other opioids as the greatest threat to Polk County. Many also shared their concern about alcohol (18%), meth (7%), marijuana (9%), and vaping (13%).* We had many meaningful conversations with people who shared their experiences with substance abuse, their concerns about loved ones affected by addiction, and their hopes for keeping young people safe.
Our awareness efforts were also covered in a news article and photo gallery published by Salem’s Statesman Journal newspaper. Ryan Gail, one of our administrators, also participated in a live interview with 1430 KYKN Radio from the fairgrounds.
Our fair booth was made possible in part through a generous grant from the Polk County Board of Commissioners. Commissioners Jeremy Gordon and Lyle Mordhorst both stopped by to visit the booth, and we are grateful for their support and commitment to raising awareness.
We’d also like to thank Adelaide Lemke, Scarlett Anderson, Caleb Gail, and Harvey Gail for helping us with our fair booth. Special thanks to Emma Noffsinger, who interned with us last fall, for designing the awareness poster we used at the fair.
Fentanyl Free Oregon remains committed to engaging directly with community members and looks forward to continuing work in Polk County and beyond.
*This was an informal survey and only represents the opinions of those who chose to participate.
