By Jeff Devine, The Chronicle
Dale County Coroner John Cawley is urging residents to take the continued and growing danger of fentanyl seriously, warning that a single decision involving an illicit drug or counterfeit pill can have deadly consequences.
In a letter to Dale County residents, Cawley said fentanyl is a threat that reaches far beyond major cities and is already affecting communities throughout the county.
“As Dale County Coroner, I want to take this opportunity to speak directly to our citizens about the growing danger of fentanyl and the devastating impact it continues to have on families across our community,” Cawley wrote.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more powerful than morphine and heroin. Cawley cautioned that one of the greatest dangers is that people may unknowingly consume the drug because it can be mixed into counterfeit prescription pills and other illegal substances.
“In many cases, individuals are exposed to fentanyl without even knowing it, as it is often mixed into counterfeit pills and other illegal substances,” he wrote. “Just a very small amount can be deadly.”
Cawley said the danger is particularly concerning for young people who may believe they are taking a legitimate prescription medication when, in reality, the pill could contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl.
“Young people especially need to understand that taking a pill obtained from a friend, social media contact, or illicit source can have fatal consequences,” Cawley warned. “What may appear to be a prescription medication could actually contain fentanyl.”
‘We are not immune’
While fentanyl has become a national public health crisis, Cawley emphasized that Dale County is not isolated from the problem.
“Here in Dale County, we are not immune to this crisis,” he wrote.
As coroner, Cawley said he has personally seen the devastating aftermath of overdose deaths and the effect those deaths have on families.
“As Coroner, I have witnessed firsthand the heartbreak that follows overdose deaths,” he said. “Every overdose represents a son, daughter, parent, sibling, friend, or neighbor whose life ended far too soon.”
The Dale County Coroner’s Office tracks overdose deaths as part of its responsibility to monitor public health and safety trends in the county, according to Cawley.
He also pointed to recent fentanyl-related investigations in Ozark as evidence that the threat is not theoretical.
“Recent fentanyl-related investigations in Ozark demonstrate that this threat is real and present within our county,” Cawley wrote.
Law enforcement agencies across Dale County continue working to identify those responsible for distributing dangerous narcotics, he said.
“Law enforcement agencies throughout Dale County continue to work aggressively to identify and hold accountable those who distribute dangerous narcotics that contribute to overdose deaths,” Cawley said.
Education and awareness are key
Cawley said prevention begins with education, particularly conversations between parents and their children.
“Education and awareness remain our strongest tools for prevention,” he wrote.
He encouraged parents to talk openly with their children about illegal drugs and counterfeit pills rather than assuming young people understand the risks.
“Parents should talk openly with their children about the dangers of illegal drugs and counterfeit pills,” Cawley advised.
His warning extends beyond traditional street drugs. Cawley said residents should be especially cautious about pills obtained outside legitimate medical and pharmaceutical channels.
A pill obtained from a friend, through social media, or from another illicit source may look legitimate while containing fentanyl, he cautioned.
For parents, Cawley said, the message is simple: Do not wait to have the conversation.
“If you are a parent, have the conversation today,” he wrote.
A community-wide responsibility
Cawley stressed that the fentanyl crisis affects every part of Dale County and requires a community-wide response.
“Dale County is a close-knit community,” he wrote. “Whether you live in Ozark, Daleville, Midland City, Ariton, Newton, or any of our surrounding communities, this issue affects all of us.”
He called on residents to support prevention efforts, encourage people struggling with substance abuse to seek treatment, and remain alert to the dangers posed by fentanyl.
“We must work together by supporting prevention programs, encouraging treatment for those struggling with substance abuse, and remaining vigilant about the dangers of fentanyl in our neighborhoods,” Cawley said.
For those who know someone struggling with addiction, Cawley encouraged them to offer support and encourage that person to seek help.
“If you know someone struggling with addiction, encourage them to seek help,” he wrote.
For young people, his warning is even more direct.
“If you are a young person, understand that no illicit drug is worth risking your life,” Cawley said.
Ultimately, Cawley said the consequences of a single decision can extend far beyond the person who makes it.
“My message is simple: One bad decision can become a lifelong tragedy for an entire family,” he wrote.
Cawley closed his letter by emphasizing that awareness, education, and community involvement can make a difference.
“Together, through awareness, education, and community involvement, we can save lives and protect the future of Dale County,” he said.
Many organizations focused on mental health, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), recommend everyone keep extra supplies of naloxone (NARCAN) nasal spray at home, in their purses, and elsewhere due to its ability to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Narcan may be purchased over the counter at most pharmacies, and if you live in Alabama, you can visit the Jefferson County Health Department website and navigate to the naloxone training section to have some shipped right to your door. You can do this by visiting the link below:
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid or fentanyl addiction or is having a mental health crisis, help is available. Dial 988 to be connected to licensed individuals trained in helping people with these circumstances. Great progress has been made in treating opioid addiction over the years. Now there are many options, such as medication-assisted treatment with Suboxone (b uprenorphine), which eliminates cravings and offers much more.
