Over a ten-year period in Winona County, there have been 40 opioid-involved deaths, with many more overdoses. In a growing illicit drug scene, members of Ripple Drug Awareness and Education are stepping forward to share their stories and research on the topic to educate the community and work to prevent opioid related mortalities. On Feb 28, the Winona State University Psychology Club invited Malia Fox, president of Ripple, and Sasha Majerus, an active recovering addict, from Ripple to talk about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and recreational drug use in general.
Lily Hanson, third year student and president of the Psychology club, discussed the planning and intent behind the event. Dr. Trisha Karr, the club advisor, had connections to Fox, and had suggested holding this event for the club and any interested students to attend. The club had hosted Fox last spring in Phelps Hall and had a high turnout, so this year they booked a larger venue, inviting all students to attend, to learn more about drug usage, share their own experiences and find a community. A major goal of Ripple is to end the stigma around drug use and encourage an honest discussion around the topic. “They share their own personal stories with [opioid overdoses] to spread awareness and add that human touch so it’s not just the statistics,” Hanson said. “It’s a very educational and powerful event.”
Fox, mother of a victim of illicit fentanyl, says that there is not enough conversation around the dangers of the drug, and hopes to save as many lives as possible through education. Illicit fentanyl is a tasteless, odorless and colorless substance that takes only two small grains to kill. It can be found in fake prescription pills, ecstasy, heroin, cocaine, meth, vape pens and marijuana. Most victims don’t even know that they are ingesting illicit fentanyl and it can kill immediately.
“In fentanyl overdoses, you just suffocate. Your neurological system and your respiratory system just stop,” Fox explained. “We have had mothers who found their child standing against the wall… cell phone in hand, dead. It just shuts it down.”
The drug is the leading cause of death for 18–45-year-olds across the country, which is why it is important for people to know the risks, know what they are taking and where it is coming from and how to recognize signs of overdose and steps to take to in case of an emergency.
One of the major steps that Ripple is taking in order to prevent opioid deaths in the area is providing Naloxone or Narcan to people in the community. They have done this by setting up Little Library’s stocked with Narcan boxes for people to grab. The addresses of the boxes can be found on Ripple’s websites, otherwise boxes can be picked up at Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center.
If someone is showing signs of overdose: unconsciousness, inability to speak or gasping for air, small pupils, purple lips or fingernails and a weak pulse, call 911 immediately, and begin administrating Naloxone and chest compressions. Two pumps of Narcan are provided in a box, but Fox reminded people that with the amount of illicit fentanyl being consumed, it is taking nearly nine boxes to bring people back. It is important to carry Narcan so that you can be prepared in the scenario of an overdose, even if you think that you will never find yourself in the situation, it is always a good safety net to have. “Have empathy for those who grieve, educate yourself and others,” Fox said. “Learn how to save a life, please carry Naloxone. Fight the stigma. Nobody chose this. Nobody wanted to be an addict.”
Ripple members are working to memorialize people who have died from overdose, and to spread awareness throughout the community. They have posted fliers and set up billboards that can be found around Winona with real Winona people and victims on it, as a reminder and awakening for people who come across them. Hanson noted, “[The information] is important because drug use, while it’s not super visible, it is still out there, and it still exists and it’s getting more dangerous.”
