The Keep NM Alive collaborative — comprised of Bernalillo County, Santa Fe County, city of Albuquerque, Albuquerque Public Schools, New Mexico Department of Health, New Mexico National Guard, Drug Enforcement Administration, area judicial professionals, first responders, health care providers and those with lived experience — will host an upcoming all-day event dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and providing essential resources for those affected by its infiltration into the community.
The 2024 Fentanyl Forum will be from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Berna Facio Professional Development Center at 3315 Louisiana Blvd NE.
“We believe that education and community support are the ultimate tools in combating the fentanyl crisis,” said Lisa Sedillo White, Bernalillo County deputy county manager for General Services. “This forum is a vital step in equipping individuals and families with the knowledge they need to seek help and create positive change.”
The Fentanyl Forum is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged but not required. For more information and to register, please click here.
The forum will feature expert speakers, including health care professionals, addiction specialists, and those with lived experience who will delve into the alarming rise of fentanyl-related overdoses and discuss effective strategies for prevention and recovery. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in workshops, access support services, and connect with local resources dedicated to addiction recovery.
According to officials, ongoing workshops and tabling events will also be held throughout the day. Among them:
- Addiction experts answering questions on substance abuse and treatment
- Overdose prevention including training on how to administer Naloxone
- A look into New Mexico’s emerging drug trends
- Human trafficking and its ties to fentanyl
“The fentanyl crisis is one of our nation’s biggest challenges that has impacted every corner of our city,” said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. “This forum is bringing the community together to build upon existing strategies and find new ways to combat this deadly crisis.”