Later this week, the public can learn about overdose prevention, how to help those struggling through substance use disorders and get hands-on training in administering naloxone and Narcan distribution.
Registration is now open for the 2024 Fentanyl Forum, a full-day event focused on critical issues surrounding the opioid crisis.
The free public event is Oct. 17, at the Berna Facio Professional Development Complex, 3315 Louisiana Blvd. NE.
A series of workshops and panel discussions, running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., will feature treatment providers, first responders and those with relevant life experience.
Organizers say they’re hoping to empower families to intervene and help their loved ones work through their addictions. This is the third year for the event, originally known as the Fentanyl Summit.
Topics to be covered include emerging drug trends in New Mexico, the connection between human trafficking and substance use and the history of synthetic drug trafficking.
New this year is a youth panel, along with more participation from teens and young adults, say Bernalillo County officials. The county is presenting the forum along with the City of Albuquerque, Santa Fe County, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Mexico Department of Health, Albuquerque Public Schools, the New Mexico National Guard and other organizations, under the umbrella of the Keep NM Alive coalition.
Addiction specialists will be available to answer questions about treatment options, while community service providers will offer support and resources. Attendance includes a free food-truck meal for anyone who completes a survey.
“The goal of the event is to educate the public about the many effects of fentanyl in our community, to educate and make them aware of the many dangers it poses,” county spokesperson Melissa Smith said. “It is also to provide support sources and resources to anyone who needs them.”
Anyone wishing to reserve a spot can do so here.
More information on the coalition is available here.