Surgeon General Issues Advisory for Social Media and Youth Mental Health

Surgeon General Issues Advisory for Social Media and Youth Mental Health

Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy Urges Action to Ensure Social Media Environments are Healthy and Safe, as Previously-Advised National Youth Mental Health Crisis Continues Today, United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a new Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health – PDF. While social media may offer some benefits, there are ample…

National Take Back Day Results for April 2023

National Take Back Day Results for April 2023

HC DrugFree is proud to partner with the DEA and the Howard County Police Department for our twice a year medication and sharps collection event. On April 22, 2023 we collected 1,234 lbs. of medication at the HC DrugFree site in the Wilde Lake Village Center. Below is an excerpt of the press release from…

National Fentanyl Awareness Day (May 9, 2023)

National Fentanyl Awareness Day (May 9, 2023)

National Fentanyl Awareness Day, observed on May 9th, is intended to raise awareness about the public health crisis caused by fentanyl in the illicit drug market. Currently, fentanyl overdose is the leading cause of death for people under the age of 50. Fentanyl is: • A potent prescription synthetic opioid drug approved by the FDA…

DEA Convicts Cumberland Resident in Largest Counterfeit Pill Seizure in the U.S.

DEA Convicts Cumberland Resident in Largest Counterfeit Pill Seizure in the U.S.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Cumberland man who admitted to possessing approximately 665,728 methamphetamine-laced counterfeit Adderall® pills, the largest known seizure of its kind in the country, has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. Dylan Rodas, 27, has been detained since his arrest on March 28, 2022,…

National Prevention Week (May 7-13 2023)

National Prevention Week (May 7-13 2023)

SAMHSA: National Prevention Week is May 7–13, 2023!  The Purpose of National Prevention Week • Involving communities in raising awareness of substance misuse and mental health issues, implementing prevention strategies, and showcasing the effectiveness of evidence-based prevention programs. • Fostering partnerships and collaborations with federal agencies and national organizations dedicated to improving public health. •…

Xylazine aka “tranq” is in Maryland

Xylazine aka “tranq” is in Maryland

About Xylazine Xylazine, which some may refer to as “tranq” or “zombie drug,” is being mixed with street drugs anda person may not even be aware. Xylazine is not an opioid. It is a very strong sedative used in veterinary medicine. It is not approved for use in humans. (Opioids are a group of drugs that…

Asthma Awareness Month

Asthma Awareness Month

From the Governor of the State of Maryland ASTHMA AWARENESS MONTH​ MAY​​​ 2023 WHEREAS, Asthma is a chronic disease that temporarily restricts breathing by constriction of bronchial muscles that wrap around airways, swelling of the airways and the production of mucus that clogs the airways; and WHEREAS, While our knowledge about asthma has increased substantially…

FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray

FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray

Agency Continues to Take Critical Steps to Reduce Drug Overdose Deaths Being Driven Primarily by Illicit Opioids Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Narcan, 4 milligram (mg) naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for over-the-counter (OTC), nonprescription, use – the first naloxone product approved for use without a prescription. Naloxone is a medication that rapidly…

Public Safety Alert: DEA Reports Widespread Threat of Fentanyl Mixed with Xylazine

Public Safety Alert: DEA Reports Widespread Threat of Fentanyl Mixed with Xylazine

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the American public of a sharp increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine. Xylazine, also known as “Tranq,” is a powerful sedative that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for veterinary use.   “Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country…

HoCo Kids Didn’t Sugar-Coat Their Reactions to THC Candy

HoCo Kids Didn’t Sugar-Coat Their Reactions to THC Candy

“NOOOO! Not my Skittles!” One Howard County middle school student lamented. “I can’t believe the companies would allow this,” another replied. “But I like Nerds…” another concerned student chimed in. These are just a few examples of the reactions we received when Howard County students in HC DrugFree’s Life Skills Class were shown photos of…