Fentanyl Awareness

Why it's Important to Be Aware

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.

This is a national public health crisis. There is a significant risk that illegal drugs have been mixed with fentanyl. Illicit manufactured fentanyl is found in heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit pills. Some counterfeit drugs are made to look like prescription medications (OxyContin, Xanax, Adderall). These are widely accessible, often sold on social media platforms, and can contain lethal doses of fentanyl. This results in many people unknowingly ingesting it, leading to an overdose.

Learn more about Fentanyl

What Can I Do?

1. Learn the Facts:

If you are a parent, have a conversation with your children. It is important not to avoid the topic of illegal drugs. Have an open discussion with your family about the issue of fentanyl and fake pills.
Emphasize the high risks of encountering illicitly manufactured fentanyl and how individuals can protect themselves.
Continue to spread awareness. Know where to find resources for help and treatment. For resources and support, find here.

2. Be Prepared:

Know the signs of an overdose.
Carry naloxone with you. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.
For free training on how to use naloxone and to receive naloxone, please visit Kansas Naloxone Program.

Employee Spotlight

Magie Cumberland is an Interpreter and Program Assistant at the Saline County Health Department. Magie plays an essential role in translating for all services at the department. She is a Spanish facilitator for the Becoming a Mom (BAM) class. As a program assistant, Magie works in the lab with Maternal Child Health (MCH). She also conducts home and hospital visits to educate new mothers about the department's various programs.

Magie has been at the Health Department for just over 19 years! She wanted to work for the Health Department because she has a passion for helping people. "I am bilingual, and I started as just an interpreter," Magie states "I have been given the opportunity to grow and do much more at the health department."

“I love the people I work with; it feels like family!” she said. When asked what she wished more people knew about the health department and her work she explained, “I wish more people were aware of the programs we offer and took advantage of them. Also, translating is more challenging than just going from English to Spanish. It needs to be translated correctly with the same meaning."

Magie is most proud of her role during Covid-19. "A lot was done behind the scenes to keep the public safe and aware of all updates."

“Magie has always been a team-oriented staff member when it comes to going above and beyond for the populations we serve. She works diligently to provide excellent program services to both our English and Spanish-speaking program participants,” Sherri Dockter, Maternal Child Health Coordinator.

Magie shared that she has been blessed with a great family with her children and grandchildren. One of her favorite vacation spots was Florida with an amazing scenery of the ocean and palm trees.

Thank you for everything you do, Magie!