Fentanyl Facts and Overdose Risk: A City of St. Louis Department of Health Course
This course shares information about the dangers and facts of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, highlighting their role as the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. The course will discuss how fentanyl is increasingly mixed into counterfeit pills and street drugs and how the potency and unpredictability of these substances contribute to overdose risk. The course also dispels common myths about fentanyl exposure, particularly among first responders, and reinforces the importance of evidence-based safety practices.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of how to respond to fentanyl-related risks using science-backed strategies. Topics include the importance of naloxone distribution, overdose prevention education, and access to effective treatment options.
- Identify the characteristics and dangers of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, including how they are commonly mixed into counterfeit pills and street drugs.
- Describe the public health impact of fentanyl, including its role in the rise of overdose deaths and the need for expanded prevention and treatment efforts.
- Recognize common myths and misinformation about fentanyl exposure and explain the evidence-based facts that counter those myths.
- Understand appropriate safety practices when responding to potential fentanyl exposure, including effective use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Explain the importance of accurate public education and harm reduction strategies in improving overdose response and reducing stigma.
This course is open to all community members and professionals who are interested in learning more about substance use disorders and medication for opioid use disorder.
Addiction Policy Forum & City of St. Louis Department of Health. (2026). Fentanyl Facts and Overdose Risk: A City of St. Louis Department of Health Course. Justice Community Overdose Innovation Network Coordination and Translation Center. https://www.jcoinctc.org/courses/fentanyl-facts-and-overdose-risk-a-city-of-st-louis-department-of-health-course/
