Efforts to combat drug overdoses in Mississippi

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Mississippians overdosing on medicine is a big drawback with a lethal ripple impact.

In 2021, there have been 491 overdose deaths in our state, and 123 have been recorded this yr as of Could 16.

The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and MS Coast Crime Stoppers launched a statewide Overdose Consciousness Video to make clear this widespread drawback.

Within the video, you hear no voices.

You simply see individuals in a cemetery holding white playing cards with highly effective messages on them concerning the detrimental impacts of overdosing on medicine.

“Only one capsule can result in your overdose,” stated Lori Massey with Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers. “One one that by no means tried a capsule earlier than, that’s all it takes.”

Massey says two households devastated by the lack of family members to overdoses sponsored this essential mission that might be seen all around the state.

They’re hoping the 70-second and 30-second public service bulletins will inform individuals of the continued epidemic.

“Not all overdoses result in loss of life, however so many occasions it does,” stated Massey.

Vicksburg Narcotics Investigator Mario Grady agrees. He says individuals are overdosing on every little thing from ecstasy capsules to fentanyl. Actually, he says some sellers are even lacing medicine, which is a lethal mixture.

“What individuals are doing now could be they’re having a capsule press,” Grady stated. “You possibly can have a capsule press to show any type of capsule into something you need. We’re seeing now with ecstasy; individuals are placing fentanyl within the ecstasy capsules. They’ve taken one and two capsules, and so they go out. Individuals not realizing what it’s and other people not having Narcan on-hand, and so they find yourself dying.”

In addition they hope this video will urge the general public to say one thing in the event that they see one thing as a result of it might save a life.

“We simply need the data in order that we are able to attempt to assist,” stated Grady.

“We simply want individuals to talk up earlier than it’s too late,” stated Massey.

Mississippi Crime Stoppers says callers can stay nameless and are eligible to obtain a money reward if the data given results in a felony arrest or grand jury indictment of a felony offender.

At present, the general public service announcement is on the market to take a look at on YouTube and on the Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers web site.

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