Watch the video on the Fox 31 Denver Website.
Porch Light Health’s Chief Clinical Officer Steve Carleton joined Fox31 Denver on Overdose Awareness Day to discuss the rise of fentanyl mixed with sedatives, the importance of carrying NARCAN, and how compassion and support can help families guide loved ones toward recovery.
Fox 31 Denver
Today is an important day. It is Overdose Awareness Day, really a time to shine a light on a crisis impacting families across the country. And this is right on the heels of an important month as well. We have Steve Carleton here joining us this morning to talk more about porch light health in particular and how local groups are making a difference. So first of all, let’s talk about Overdose Awareness Day in and of itself, because we know across the US and in Colorado, the numbers are trending downward. However, Denver is the exception where we’re seeing this increase Why is that?
Steve Carleton
Well, so we’re seeing this increase in Denver, specifically because of the different adulterants in the fentanyl supply. The fentanyl supply just is not stable in Denver right now. And so you’re seeing these different tranquilizers and sedatives, xylazine, metatonidine, mixed into that supply. And they’re not responsive to NARCAN, which is the medication that reverses overdose and one of our most important tools.
Fox 31 Denver
Now, for those who are not familiar with NARCAN, it’s obviously really concerning that NARCAN doesn’t respond to this. But can you break Can you talk down a little bit about how NARCAN works exactly and how big of a difference it’s made to help quell some of these numbers outside of Denver?
Steve Carleton
Yeah. So in short, when people are overdosing on opioids, it’s flooding the brain with opioids, right? And NARCAN basically comes in and it knocks off those opioids, off those receptors in the brain and reverses the effects of that overdose and literally saves people’s lives. And so when you mix in sedatives on top, which is another respiratory depressant, it causes you to not breathe as well. That causes real problems because NARCAN doesn’t work on those receptors.
Fox 31 Denver
Okay. Yeah, obviously concerning on that front. Meantime, we know today, Overdose Awareness Day, and then Recovery Month starts in September. So the very next day here. Tell us a little bit about what A lot of people need to know. Recovery is obviously a huge mountain that could be daunting to some.
Steve Carleton
Yeah. Fentanyl Overdose Awareness Day, it’s really moved the needle in terms of reducing. It’s been one of the biggest, most important campaigns because it’s getting out like, carry NARCAN, don’t use alone, make sure you test your drug supply if you can to see if it’s safe. And so the more we can increase awareness, the more we can continue to decrease fentanyl overdose deaths across the country, which are already down 30 %. And then on the heels of Recovery Awareness Month, now we’re talking about what are we really doing when we talk about recovery? We’re trying to get people moving towards a better life, like something that’s more valuable to them.
Fox 31 Denver
Yeah, that makes sense. And when it comes to recovery, do you have any advice for family members who may know someone who’s struggling?
Steve Carleton
Absolutely. Approaching people, especially with substance use problems, approaching people with compassion and support rather than blame and judgment is huge. Picking your spot. If you’re concerned about a loved one that’s having a problem with substances, make sure you do that at a time that’s naturally more calm. And you do that in one sitting that’s going to be impactful rather than nagging and continuing to bring it up every time you see that person.
Fox 31 Denver
Okay, that makes sense. And then where can people go to learn more about Porch Light Health and the work you guys do?
Steve Carleton
Porchlighthealth.com is a great option. And then if you are or you have a loved one struggling out there, 866 MAT STAT is our number. And we are known for getting people in very quick. And that’s what you can expect.
Fox 31 Denver
Yeah, I can imagine time is of the essence.
Steve Carleton
That’s it.
Fox 31 Denver
Well, thank you so much for coming in. Obviously, important work you do, and certainly an important reminder here as we head into Recovery Month.
