In recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day, the City of Alexandria and partners are hosting one week of outreach and distribution of harm reduction materials.

While fentanyl is often associated with opioids, it is now commonly found in counterfeit pills, cocaine, and other illicit drugs often without a person’s knowledge. This means individuals may be exposed to fentanyl even if they are not intentionally using opioids. 

New synthetic substances are also emerging in the drug supply. Substances such as medetomidine, a veterinary sedative similar to xylazine (“tranq”), have been identified in some regions and may increase overdose risk or complicate response. 

As a result, overdose risk is no longer limited to opioid use alone. Many overdoses now involve multiple substances, and it is increasingly difficult to know what is in any non-prescribed substance. Naloxone remains an important tool for reversing overdoses, even when other substances may also be present. 

Carrying naloxone, recognizing overdose signs, and calling 911 in an emergency can save lives. Visit alexandriava.gov/opioids for a list of locations where harm reduction kits including naloxone are available.