Salem Chamber Forum Speaker Series: Presenting Sponsor, Hagan Hamilton Insurance Solutions; Forum Sponsor, Salem Health and The Salem Health Foundations
Salem Health and the Salem Health Foundation sponsored the November 2024 Salem Chamber Forum Speaker Series, bringing a panel of experts to provide an update on the illicit street fentanyl crisis. The panel included Dr. Kelly Olson, a neuroscientist and Director of Clinical Affairs at Millennium Health, Nancy Bee, a nurse and Director of Critical Care at Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics, and Chris Gibson, Executive Director of the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). Each expert offered a unique perspective, from clinical to law enforcement, creating comprehensive understanding of the “fourth wave” of street fentanyl affecting our communities locally and across the nation. The Salem Chamber Forum Speaker Series, “Community Health Update: The State of the Fentanyl Crisis Today” from November 18, 2024 featuring our panel of experts can be watched online.
The “Fourth Wave” of Street Fentanyl
The discussion focused on the dramatic increase in fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths in recent years. While fentanyl has been a known drug for pain management in clinical settings for years, its illicit form is far more potent and deadly. Experts shared that street fentanyl—often mixed with other drugs—is unlike the pharmaceutical-grade fentanyl used in hospitals. The composition of street fentanyl is inconsistent and often far stronger than users may realize, leading to an alarming rise in overdoses.
Since fentanyl first emerged on the illicit drug scene in the early 2000s, it has evolved significantly. Chris Gibson addressed how the raw materials are sourced from China, India, and other places into Mexico where the drugs are produced and moved by two major cartels, the Jalisco cartel and the Sinaloa cartel. The flow of drugs make their way up across the U.S. southern border and up the I-5 corridor mostly by land vehicles, but also over sea, air, and through our postal mail system. The experts discussed what they called the “fourth wave” of street fentanyl, highlighting how the drug is being mixed with other substances, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and even marijuana. This blending of drugs increases the potency and elongates the effects of fentanyl, making it even more dangerous. Dr. Olson described how these new “fentanyl plus” mixtures are particularly problematic because many users may not even realize they are consuming fentanyl, as it is often disguised in other drugs.
The Dangers of Street Fentanyl
One of the most alarming aspects of street fentanyl is how little of the substance is needed to cause a fatal overdose. Even a small amount of fentanyl—as little as a two-milligram dose, similar to 5-7 grains of salt— can be deadly, making it much more dangerous than other illicit drugs. This is especially concerning for recreational drug users who may unknowingly ingest fentanyl when they are expecting other substances.
Nancy Bee emphasized the importance of understanding the difference between pharmaceutical-grade fentanyl and illicit fentanyl. While pharmaceutical-grade fentanyl is used in controlled, clinical settings under strict supervision for pain management, illicit fentanyl is often manufactured and distributed without any oversight, leading to potentially lethal consequences. The variability of illicit fentanyl’s composition is one of the primary reasons why so many people overdose without even knowing they’ve consumed it.
A Wake-Up Call for Our Community
The panel discussion left attendees with a stark reminder of how rapidly the fentanyl crisis is growing and how it is impacting people from all walks of life. The fact that fentanyl is being mixed into so many different drugs—often unknowingly by users—highlights the need for increased vigilance and education in our communities.
As the “fourth wave” of street fentanyl continues to evolve, it is critical that we stay informed, support those in need, and advocate for policies that can help curb the spread of this deadly drug. Whether you are a healthcare provider, law enforcement officer, or concerned community member, we all have a role to play in combating the fentanyl epidemic. Stay vigilant, talk to your family and friends about the risks of drug use, especially surrounding street fentanyl.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, help is available. Reach out to local health organizations, addiction services, or your healthcare provider for resources and support. Together, we can help protect our communities from the dangers of illicit street fentanyl and work toward a safer, healthier future for all.