People speak on fentanyl crisis for National Fentanyl Awareness Day [Video]

DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) – May 7 is National Fentanyl Awareness Day, in which organizations warn people of the dangers of fentanyl when used improperly.

According to Yale Medicine, synthetic fentanyl took over as the main street source of opioids between 2015 and 2016, surpassing heroin and prescription opioids.

The problem becomes the uncertainty with fentanyl outside of a medical facility. It can be poorly made, extremely potent and result in a high chance of death.

“You could take the tip of this pen and that’s how much fentanyl it takes to kill someone,” said Jonathan Riley, who is a member with People Engaged In Recovery (PEIR), a nonprofit who helps those battling addiction.

Lieutenant Scott Owens with Dothan Police calls fentanyl an epidemic.

“You don’t know how strong they’re making it. They’re making them to degrees where just a thimble can kill you,” said Lt. Owens. “That’s really the issue. Fentanyl should only be used by medically trained personnel.”

Though Dothan has not seen many …