This will sever ties between WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) which will result in a significant loss of crucial inbound intelligence. Data sharing and collaboration is our best defense against emerging health threats.

US funds equate to about 1/5 of the WHO budget, loss of which will be devastating. Much of these funds are used for outbreak response and other emergencies. This will leave us vulnerable to disease outbreaks which in modern times are inevitable global disasters without proper prevention measures.

There is no medically assisted treatment, or #MAT, for #methamphetamine cessation. As for #fentanyl, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that oral #Suboxone and injectable #Sublocade don’t fully block the strength of powder fent. Users can be engaged in MAT treatment and still experience a high.

We have a huge population of #fentanyl and #methamphetamine addicted persons in #Portland and most US urban communities. Is is nearly impossible to quit either let alone both of these substances together cold turkey. Medical interventions for these substances are largely ineffective, and here’s why:

As many know, #fentanyl is especially lethal in powder form. Contrary to popular belief, smoking powder fent can trigger #overdose, though OD is more likely with IV use or ingestion. Fent addicted persons often develop a co-morbid addiction to #methamphetamine; stimulants are believed to prevent OD

The transition from blues to the purer #fentanyl powder can happen rather quickly. An addicted person smoking the blues will need to do so about every 30-45 minutes to functionally avoid physical discomfort. Powder highs can last longer, an hour or so between smoking. Powder saves money and time

The “blues” pressed counterfeit M30s are a common introduction to #fentanyl in #PDX. They’re dubbed such due to their blue color. Smoking them leads to intense physical dependence with little to no euphoric experience. Smoking becomes compulsive purely to avoid the sickening withdrawal symptoms

Cessation of prescription #opiates leads to withdrawals, intensity proportionate to frequency and dose of use- but it’s nothing compared to a #fentanyl withdrawal. An addicted person won’t know until it’s too late. Fent is cheap, strong, and abundant. What appears as a “temporary” solution is a trap

I’ve been asked why anyone would start using #fentanyl. As most know, supply of prescription #opiates is drying up due to increasingly conservative prescribing practices. When a prescription opiate connection suddenly ends, withdrawal hits. If one isn’t ready for sobriety they’ll seek a replacement