Around 100 community members, first responders, parents and community officials were in attendance at a special opioid awareness presentation on Tuesday, March 21 at Plainview High School.
A similar presentation was given to junior and high school students earlier in the day, and at least two more presentations are planned, one in Hartington and one in Laurel.
Special speakers talked about the dangers of fentanyl, namely the story of Josh Wulf, cousin to local pharmacist, Ashley Dendinger, who passed away last year while in Nashville, Tenn. from exposure to fentanyl by someone else. Wulf died even though Naloxone, an opioid counteracting spray, was administered.
Carol Wulf, Josh’s mother, gave a heartfelt retelling of her son's story, and gave a second story of other family members that came into contact with fentanyl, but survived after having NARCAN administered and being quickly transported to a hospital.
Dangerous, and potentially lethal, Fentanyl exposure can occur through the air, through touch or contact, and mainly through fentanyl-laced illicit drug use. Even picking up items used to administer the laced drugs can give enough exposure – about 2 grams is enough to be fatal to someone without any other opioid exposure.
Wulf’s mother warned against activity at bars and parties as drinks can be laced
“We don't want what happened to Josh to happen to anyone else,” said Carol Wulf. “I'm telling you it's the worst nightmare my family has gone through. Be aware of your surroundings and be very careful.”
A second speaker, Amy Holman, briefed the crowd on the history of opioids, and where fentanyl came from, and answered questions from the crowd about the drug.
Police Chief Kristy Hallock took a turn with the microphone as well, informing the crowd that even in local investigations, the Plainview Police have confiscated drugs that have contained fentanyl.
“There is no good thing that comes from this behavior,” said Chief Hallock, “If you see something, please call it in.”
Local pharmacist, Ashley Dendinger, said that the naloxone containing spray, NARCAN, is available at the local pharmacy, and reminded the crowd through a series of questions and answers that the spray will not harm anyone if administered and they are not suffering opioid poisoning.
More information can be obtained at the Plainview Police Department, the Plainview Pharmacy or by visiting www.stopodne.com.