Fentanyl Crisis Forum to be Held at Barry Goldwater High School

A community forum at Barry Goldwater High School on Sept. 12, 2024, will address the fentanyl crisis in Maricopa County.Photo byImage: Tysonomo Multimedia

Editor’s note: This article addresses the fentanyl crisis in Arizona and the broader U.S. Readers are encouraged to approach the content with care, as it covers a serious and sensitive public health issue. Our aim is to present a factual and balanced account while promoting awareness and discussion about potential solutions.

PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will host a community forum at Barry Goldwater High School, 2820 W. Rose Garden Lane, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, to address the ongoing fentanyl crisis.

The panel discussion, designed to raise awareness and provide resources to tackle the growing impact of fentanyl on the community, will feature a panel discussion led by Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell.

The caucus will feature a panel including Jeff Beaver from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Sarah Grado from notMYkid, Kenny Silvia from the Phoenix Police Department, and Austin Moreland from the Phoenix Fire Department.

The discussion will focus on the fentanyl epidemic’s effects on families, public health, and safety. Panelists will present strategies and resources aimed at curbing the crisis and protecting the community, according to the county.

Statistics from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) show that more than five people die from opioid overdoses every day in Arizona. Non-fatal overdoses also disproportionately affect males, individuals aged 25 to 34.

So far in 2024, Arizona has recorded 2,402 verified non-fatal opioid overdose events and 724 confirmed opioid-related deaths, according to data from the ADHS.

Therefore, community organizations, including the National Guard’s Drug Demand Reduction and Outreach team, Narcotics Anonymous, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and notMYkid, will be present to offer additional resources and support at the event, according to the county.

Confidential help is available for those struggling with opioid use disorder by calling the OARLine at 1-888-688-4222.

Further resources can be found through the ADHS’s Naloxone Leave Behind program, which provides assistance in preventing overdoses.

For more information on the fentanyl crisis in Maricopa County, including three educational videos, click here.