MagMutual’s Post

Engaged in the field of Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE) since 2015, I delivered my first talk on this pivotal subject as a graduate student in 2016. Reflecting on those early days, I highlighted the alarming projection that "the number of drug overdoses in the U.S. this year is expected to be the largest on record." Fast forward nearly a decade to 2024, and regrettably, this prediction holds true. The persisting crisis, unique to the United States, continues to escalate, demanding urgent intervention to reverse its course. As a new father, my concerns about drug abuse, particularly among the youth, have never been more profound. To combat this crisis effectively, we need dynamic, data-informed decisions, and I firmly believe wastewater analysis holds the key. While data alone won't single-handedly solve the issue, it must form a critical component of our comprehensive strategy. Envisioning a future where we no longer issue calls to action but instead share success stories of defeating this epidemic, I am hopeful that our concerted efforts will eventually drive this menacing force into the ground. Together, let's pave the way for a triumph over this unprecedented challenge. 

Tomorrow is #NationalFentanylAwarenessDay Fake pills and fentanyl have changed the drug landscape and are driving the recent increase in US drug overdose deaths. Learn more at fentanylawarenessday.org and spread the word to save a life.

Fentanyl is 50x stronger than heroin, to get the dose right it takes a doctor. Fake pills and fentanyl have changed the drug landscape and are driving the recent increase in US drug overdose deaths. Learn more at fentanylawarenessday.org and spread the word to save a life. #NationalFentanylAwarenessDay #JustSayKnow

Fentanyl is 50x stronger than heroin, to get the dose right it takes a doctor. Fake pills and fentanyl have changed the drug landscape and are driving the recent increase in US drug overdose deaths. Learn more at fentanylawarenessday.org and spread the word to save a life. #NationalFentanylAwarenessDay #JustSayKnow

Karlene Kuhn Deepika Viswanath Evan Dreyer Contra Costa Public Defender The Biden administration has launched a nationwide initiative to increase training and access to life-saving opioid overdose reversal medications. BART is proud to be one of the organizations already stepping up to support this critical effort. Check out the video linked below to learn more about this important initiative. #opioidcrisis #overdoseprevention

3 simple steps can help save lives. #OvertheDose

Prescription drugs are the third most misused substance after marijuana and alcohol in teens. Many teens obtain prescription medication from family or friends because they can easily find the medications in their own home. In 2021, 44.9% of persons aged 12 or older who misused a prescription pain reliever obtained the medication from a friend or relative. Prevent medication misuse or overdose with proper storage and disposal. To learn more about teens and medication misuse visit: https://lnkd.in/g2_9ya46 (Link). To learn how to safely dispose of unused medications in your county by accessing Iowa Healthcare Collaborative safe medication disposal page: https://lnkd.in/gtuvngvN (Link). #DEA #Opioids #OpioidCrisis #SafeDisposal #SecureYourMeds

In 2024 in BC: STILL too many people are dying from toxic drugs! *1365 people died since January *192 people died in July alone **a 15% decrease in toxic drug deaths from July 2023 * Something is starting to shift and we need to determine what that something is and do far more of it! (I suspect the decrease in Van. for wait times for withdrawal management, the increase in treatment beds, and the increased flexibility with the way OAT’s can be prescribed are three key factors contributing to this decrease) #IOAD #Recoveryispossible #harmreduction #safersupply

Tomorrow is the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day! Please reference the photo to find the location nearest you to drop off your unused, expired, or unnecessary prescription medication. Hillsborough Recovery Coalition will be at the HCA Florida Brandon Hospital take back location distributing Narcan from 10-12. #hillsboroughcounty #brandon #tampa #recovery #addiction #mentalhealth #peersupport #recoverysupport #HRC #RCO #recoveryisforeveryone #harmreduction #narcan #overdoseawareness #overdoseprevention #DrugTakeBackDay #DEATakeBack

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Drug overdose deaths fell in 2023, marking the first decrease in five years, according to new federal data. An estimated 107,543 Americans died of drug overdoses, a 3% decrease from 2022. This is a positive turn after several years of increases. 📅 Save the date for Rx Summit 2025 happening April 21-24 in Nashville, TN, and let's continue to turn the numbers around! View the whole story here: https://lnkd.in/gH3cE4Q5 #RxSummit #RxSummit2025 #OverdosePrevention