Preventing overdose, saving lives

Opioid overdoses take thousands of lives. And now Xylazine, a tranquilizer meant for large animals, has been discovered as a cutting agent, through a rapid analysis program led by Maryland’s Opioid Operational Command Center. A whopping 80 percent of drugs tested show additives, says OOCC director Robin Rickard: “Fentanyl is in absolutely everything-- it’s in cocaine, it’s in pills, and you’re playing Russian roulette when you’re out there using. Now Xylazine is out there, it’s just not safe to use anything right now.” Then Kam Kerr, from the Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition, on why they advocate for safe-use spaces to prevent overdose and save lives: “People who use drugs are human beings and deserve dignity and respect.”  Links: Opioid Operational Command Center resources, Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition, BRIDGES Coalition, Overdose Prevention Open House.Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472