“Counterfeit pills are increasingly common, and far too many Mississippians have lost their lives to counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl. It will take partnership and collaboration to fight this fentanyl epidemic,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “I am excited to provide my Emergency Overdose Boxes to partners across the State to ensure that everyone has access to life saving tools in order to prevent an overdose.”
Attorney General Fitch introduced her Emergency Overdose Boxes in September. These boxes can be mounted in public places and include naloxone and other tools needed to prevent a deadly overdose. The Emergency Overdose Boxes were developed in coordination with Harbor Path, a nonprofit dedicated to putting naloxone within arm’s reach of anyone who needs it. General Fitch currently has plans to distribute 700 Emergency Overdose Boxes across the State.
“Fentanyl and counterfeit pills are becoming more prevalent every day, putting our officers and first responders at risk of accidental exposure. We are deeply grateful to Attorney General Fitch and her team for providing these emergency overdose boxes, which will help protect our officers as they tirelessly work to keep our communities safe,” said Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell.
“We appreciated the opportunity to discuss the One Pill Can Kill campaign and Emergency Overdose Boxes with Attorney General Fitch. In an era of multiple news outlets, it is imperative to communicate as directly to the public as possible, and we in Brandon will attempt to continue this effort through our schools, churches, HOA’s and civic organizations throughout the city,” said Brandon Mayor Butch Lee.
“It is so important to educate everyone in our state about the dangers of illegal substances. Students who grow up empowered with knowledge to avoid drugs of any kind are prepared to make healthy choices for a brighter future. We appreciate the Attorney General’s commitment to spreading the word about the dangers of drug use,” said Madison County School District Superintendent Ted Poore.
“Region 8 is proud to partner with Attorney General Fitch and others across this state to fight the fentanyl epidemic. We see people struggling with Substance Use Disorders every day. In a fight where every second counts, these Emergency Overdose Boxes are more than a lifesaving tool, they are symbol of hope and a powerful reminder that every life is worth saving,” said Dave Van, Executive Director at Region 8.
Learn more at AttorneyGeneralLynnFitch.com/OnePill or find out how you can get an Emergency Overdose Box or Fentanyl Harm Prevention Kits for your community by emailing onepill@ago.ms.gov.