fentanyl
Instead of sodas, these vending machines offer needles and Narcan to fight overdoses
Groups trying to reduce overdose deaths and the spread of infectious diseases are using vending machines to get clean needles, pipes, wound care kits, Narcan and other safety supplies to drug users.
With spread of fentanyl, opioids kill record number of Black men in Birmingham
The number of opioid overdose deaths among Black men in Jefferson County has quadrupled since 2019, sparking action from residents and health experts.
Fentanyl is killing more young people in Alabama
The fentanyl epidemic has opened a new front for schools in the fight against illegal drugs. That’s changing how groups educate students and parents about opioids and harm reduction.
At Lovelady Center, women find hope after surviving fentanyl
Four women share stories of using and recovering from the deadly opioid fentanyl.
Families find support during a new wave of the opioid epidemic
The opioid epidemic continues to evolve. There's been a shift in overdose demographics and ways the drug is consumed. But what hasn’t changed is the strain that opioid addiction can have including on families.
Tougher penalties on fentanyl trafficking now law
Gov. Kay Ivey signed the bill into law Thursday after the measure, which sets mandatory minimum sentences, passed both legislative chambers without opposition.
Bills tackling fentanyl trafficking and ‘good time’ limits in prisons advance
The bills would set a mandatory minimum sentence for trafficking or possessing fentanyl and reduce good time incentives, which can shorten prisoners’ sentences.
Jefferson County drug overdose deaths hit new peak in 2022
Drug overdose deaths topped gun and vehicle-related deaths investigated last year by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.
Fentanyl Overdose Deaths Increase 100% In Jefferson County
The powerful synthetic opioid is now being mixed with drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine, leading to more overdose deaths.
UAB Partners with Facebook to Fight Online Drug Sales
Computer forensics researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham recently partnered with Facebook on an initiative that could ultimately curb drug sales and drug-seeking behavior on the platform.
Lawmakers Weigh Harsher Penalties for Opioid Users
The number of fatal drug overdoses is rising across the U.S. Alabama lawmakers this week considered a bill that would impose stiffer penalties around the deadly opioid fentanyl. Meanwhile, critics say more punishment could strain the state’s overcrowded prisons. Also, a bill on video voyeurism and the proposed education budget.
