Evanston Township High School Seniors (Class of 2025) enrolled in a STEAM class collaborated with the Evanston Fire Department to bring awareness to the dangers of Fentanyl. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic. 

Awareness

• What is Fentanyl
  Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It's often mixed with other drugs without users' knowledge, increasing the risk of overdose. (CDC - Fentanyl Facts)

• Local Trends in Evanston & Cook County
  In 2023, Cook County saw over 2,000 opioid overdose deaths, with 87% involving fentanyl. Evanston reported nine fatal overdoses in 2023, the highest since 2017. (Cook County News, Evanston Roundtable)

• Opioid Epidemic Overview
  The opioid epidemic includes natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids have risen sharply since 2013. (CDC - Understanding the Epidemic)

• Impact on Rural and Urban Communities
  The Connect2HealthFCC map shows rural areas often have higher opioid prescribing rates and lower access to treatment, intensifying the crisis in places like Cook County. (FCC - Focus on Opioids)
  
  

Prevention

• Drug Checking in Evanston
  Evanston is exploring drug checking services to detect fentanyl in street drugs before use, potentially reducing unintentional overdoses. (Evanston Roundtable - June 2024)

• Safe Use and Prescription Practices
  Prescription opioids should be used only as directed. Overprescribing has contributed to opioid misuse. Education on safe storage and disposal is critical. (CDC - Prescription Opioids)

• Public Health Campaigns
  Evanston and Cook County promote harm reduction through public education, fentanyl test strips, and community-based resources. (City of Evanston, Cook County Public Health)

• Understanding Overdose Symptoms
  Knowing the signs of overdose—slow breathing, pale or blue skin, unconsciousness—can save lives. (CDC - Prevention)
  
  

What to Do After Use

• Responding to an Overdose
  Administer naloxone (Narcan) immediately if overdose is suspected. Call 911, and stay with the person. Naloxone is effective against fentanyl overdoses but may require multiple doses. (CDC - Safety Tips)

• Follow-up and Treatment
  After an overdose, individuals should be connected to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapy. Cook County offers these services through public health clinics. (Cook County Public Health)

• Local Support Services
  Evanston’s Health & Human Services Department provides mental health, substance use recovery services, and support for those affected by fentanyl. (City of Evanston - Opioid Response)

• Tracking and Reporting
  The Illinois Department of Public Health offers real-time opioid data to monitor trends and allocate resources where needed. (IDPH - Dashboard)