Alert: Carfentanil Danger

We now have 5 observations of carfentanil in our region since late August. We had never observed it before August 27, 2024. Four of the samples we read as carfentanil with our FTIR spectrometer have been confirmed by external partners now. They represent 22% of the samples presented to us that were “sold as” fentanyl, and 11% of all of the samples presented to us in the timeframe from August 27-October 8. Our program is not representative of everything in the underground drug market regionally, as no one knows the full extent of that market.

Carfentanil is 10,000 times as potent as morphine and 100 times as potent as fentanyl. It is still reversible with naloxone. Naloxone has a greater affinity to the receptors that opioids attach to, so BMHTH continues to recommend using naloxone and Narcan to reverse overdoses that may include carfentanil.

Please do not use drugs alone, whether you think you know the substance or not. Alternatively, please make a plan for friends to reach you and check on you. Our drug checking program has drop boxes at our locations in Kennewick, Walla Walla, and Clarkston, and results are posted online via the University of North Carolina. Our drug checking technician is happy to talk with the public about how the program works and what current substances we are detecting with our machine and litmus tests. As always, we have opioid treatment programs and contingency management programs for stimulant use cessation. Come talk to us.

by Everett Maroon October 9, 2024

BMHTH Awarded Health Engagement Hub Inaugural Rural Contract

On the basis of its low-barrier clinical services success, Blue Mountain Heart to Heart was awarded the Health Care Authority’s Health Engagement Hub pilot study contract as the inaugural rural provider. Starting in September 2024, BMHTH will operate a primary care program for individuals not currently in care, linking together its substance use treatment, prevention, and wraparound care services. Dr. Allison Bauer will be joining the staff full-time to serve as the clinical director of the program, and BMHTH is seeking an SUDP to join its behavioral health team.

by Everett Maroon March 14, 2024

Fundraiser Set for June 8, 2024

Development and Fundraising Manager Judah Pira announced that the next fundraiser event will take place on June 8, 2024, at Foundry Vineyards. The event will include a silent and live auction with auctioneer Robin Levanthal. Live music, refreshments, a brief video about the organization, and time for connection will highlight the latest in our gatherings. Guests will be able to register and get tickets in the next few weeks.

by Everett Maroon April 9, 2024

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