Fentanyl is now the leading cause of overdose deaths for people under the age of 25.
According to the National Center of Health Statistics there were 80,391 overdose deaths in the Unites States in 2023, 76,282 being caused by Fentanyl. In 2024, that number decreased significantly, yet Fentanyl still remains the leading cause of overdose related deaths.
Despite this, the Trump Administration has proposed the idea of cutting 56 million from a grant program that distributes naloxone (aka Narcan), a life saving medication that can be used to reverse or reduce opioid overdose effects, allowing time for medical help to be called.
“The cancellation of this funding is as misguided as basically every other health-related decision this administration has put forth, but from what I understand, this is not cutting off the funding to supply naloxone by other means.” Jennifer Syvertsen, a UCR medical anthropologist, stated when asked about the impact of these cuts.
Organizations like DCCA work to make free Narcan kits and Fentanyl test strips available through online request, no questions asked. Students, parents, and community members can have Narcan available at all times, carrying the tools to save a life. This is funded by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability services through the State Opioid Response Grant Initiative.
At DCCCA.org, Kansas Residents can take a quick survey to receive free Narcan and Fentanyl test strips by mail, helping them to stay prepared. It arrives in discrete packaging providing two naloxone (Narcan) nasal sprays and five fentanyl test strips. Saving you an upwards of $45!
WHAT IT DOES
Narcan helps to block opioid receptors in the brain, stopping the effects of opioids, specifically respiratory depression. It is often carried by paramedics, EMTs, Police, and school nurses, though bystanders are often encouraged to carry it on the event that someone near them starts exhibiting overdose symptoms.
“Although most professional first responders and emergency departments carry naloxone, they may not arrive in time to reverse an opioid overdose. Carry naloxone, use it on someone having an overdose, and potentially save a life.”  The California Department of Public Health asks citizens to be the stranger that helps someone.
FENTANYL TEST STRIPS
Fentanyl Test strips (FTS) are small paper strips that detect any presence of Fentanyl in pills, powders, or others substances that are used. Similar to a pregnancy test, they are a lateral flow immunoassay, meaning that it is a quick test that uses chemicals to detect specific substances from a sample.
FTS can be used by putting a small amount of the substance into a small amount of water, allowing it to dissolve. The test strip is to be dipped into the water, causing a visible line to form on the paper strip if there are traces of Fentanyl in the water. One line indicates there is Fentanyl present, two lines means that there is not.
Many teenagers don’t grasp the deadly risks involved with buying substances illegally, even with prevention efforts. The free Narcan and FTS can help reduce harm caused among teens by drugs, giving them the tools to stay safe.
Sources:
https://www.dccca.org/naloxone-program/
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/naloxone
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/ccdphp/SAPB/pages/naloxone.aspx#tag1
https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/safety/index.html
https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2025/05/01/opiod-overdose-miracle-drug-faces-56m-cuts
