A rapid increase in drug overdose deaths in Alaska is due in large part to fentanyl, an extremely powerful and often lethal opioid. What do Alaskans need to know about this alarming trend and the work being done to stop it?
Lori Townsend speaks to U.S. Attorney John Kuhn and Epidemiology Specialist Jessica Filley about the dangers of fentanyl and the work being done to help Alaskans find treatment for addiction.
RECOVERY RESOURCES:
- https://www.treatmentconnection.com/
- https://dhss.alaska.gov/osmap/Pages/hope.aspx
- https://www.samhsa.gov/find-treatment
Lori Townsend is the news director and senior host for Alaska Public Media. You can send her news tips and program ideas for Talk of Alaska and Alaska Insight at ltownsend@alaskapublic.org or call 907-550-8452.
Originally from the Central Coast of California, Valerie joined Alaska Public Media in July 2017. She creates original video content for the station's TV and digital platforms while also overseeing the Production Department. Before moving to Alaska, Valerie worked as an ENG Editor at WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina. She also served in the U.S. Air Force as a TV and Radio Broadcast Journalist where she traveled around Europe, Africa, The Baltics, Australia, and the Southern United States reporting on military events, exercises, and missions. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, backcountry skiing, backpacking, yoga, and traveling.
