 Friday, April 21, 2023
Know and share the facts about fentanyl
 Too many people across our city, state and country are dying of overdoses. Why? Fentanyl.
Fentanyl is a fast-acting synthetic opioid that is 30 to 50 times stronger than heroin. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed legally for severe pain and end-of-life care. But non-pharmaceutical fentanyl is produced illegally and has been found in many drugs including cocaine, ketamine, heroin, methamphetamine and counterfeit prescription drugs.
Important information to know and share:
- Fentanyl has been detected in counterfeit pills that look identical to prescription drugs like Xanax, Klonopin, OxyContin and Vicodin.
- A dose of fentanyl as small as three grains of rice can be lethal.
- You can’t see, smell or taste if a drug contains fentanyl. Fentanyl test strips can show if fentanyl is present, but now how much. Fentanyl test strips can be obtained at any of our Harm Reduction Outreach Services locations.
- People use drugs for a variety of reasons. They may be stressed, impulsive, bored, or curious and seeking to experiment. Perhaps they have a friend who takes drugs and offers them some. Fentanyl is a real risk whatever the reason.
- Signs of an overdose include: unresponsiveness, loss of consciousness; blue, gray or white lips or fingernails; slow or stopped breathing, snoring or gurgling sounds. Watch this video to learn the signs of overdose and how to give someone Narcan.
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Narcan is a safe medication that reverses overdoses and can be lifesaving. Carry it with you. Free Narcan kits are available for pick up at any of our Harm Reduction Outreach Services locations as well as at our headquarters at 400 E. Gray St., Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition also provides Narcan and overdose prevention training.
- Addiction can happen to anyone. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. Findhelpnowky.org is a website to help anyone find an addiction treatment facility that is taking new clients right now. The KY HELP Statewide Call Center is also available at 1-877-318-1871. The Kentucky Opioid Assistance and Resource Hotline is also available by calling 1-800-854-6813.
More facts about fentanyl, naloxone and how to help friends or loved ones at https://realdealonfentanyl.com/
Free COVID Testing and Vaccine locations
 The Kentucky Nurses Association is hosting more than 30 free COVID testing and vaccination clinics around the city from now until the end of June. Here is a complete list with dates, times and locations.
Make sure you don’t lose your Medicaid health insurance
Soon many people who were able to obtain Medicaid health insurance during the COVID-19 public health emergency may lose their coverage if they don’t reapply and show proof that they qualify. This means providing information on income, household size, and proof of residency in the state of Kentucky.
Here’s more information you need to know:
- More than 45,000 people in Jefferson County could lose their Medicaid coverage if they don’t reapply.
- This applies to anyone with these Medicaid plans: Passport, Aetna, Humana, Wellcare and United Healthcare.
- You will receive several notifications telling you when it is time to reapply. You will have a limited amount of time to respond, or you will lose your Medicaid coverage. Look for any of these notifications: a letter from the U.S. Department of Medicaid Services, a text or email message from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Department of Medicaid Services.
- Not everyone with Medicaid today will be able to keep their current insurance.
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There is local help available. Family Health Centers has insurance specialists who can help you through the recertification process. You can call 502-772-8182 or go online to make an appointment to meet with an insurance specialist during your renewal period.
Need a fulfilling summer job? Join our team
Are you mission driven? Are you interested in improving the health and wellness of all residents of our city? If the answer is yes, we invite you to be a part of a dedicated team. Please apply today.
For more information, please email LMPHWCareers@louisvilleky.gov.
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