If you have listened to radio, watched television or payed attention to online advertisements recently, there is a good chance you have noticed a growing concern about cocaine use in New York State.

We are in the second half of the year and there has been an astonishing number of overdose and drug related deaths. In Erie County, in Western New York, it is alarming how many people have died this summer alone from cocaine use as the cocaine has been laced with fentanyl.

Although some are concerned with the type of message that is being delivered, it is becoming more and more necessary to get the word out about the fatal dangers.

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The most recent advertisements that are being placed are targeting those who use cocaine and warning not to use alone and use test strips to protect from a fentanyl overdose.

In a recent post on "X", formerly Twitter, Erie County Executive, Mark Poloncarz, relayed that message. "The party has changed. Nearly 7 out of 10 opioid overdose deaths in Erie County involved cocaine. If you use cocaine, it may contain fentanyl, which is deadly. Test your cocaine. Carry Narcan and never use alone".

County Executive Poloncarz went on to note that "One-Third of our community's opioid overdose deaths are black residents and most involved cocaine".

If you, or someone you know needs a test strip or help with addiction, there are many resources available.

The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) Office of Harm Reduction has several FREE items available to you HERE.

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