A new public awareness campaign out of Allen County is tackling the fentanyl crisis head-on. The “One Pill Can Kill” initiative, led by Coroner Jon Brandenberger, aims to educate communities about the deadly risks of counterfeit pills and opioid misuse. Now, officials hope the effort can expand across Indiana.
A County-Level Response to a Growing Crisis
The Allen County Coroner’s Office, in collaboration with the county commissioners and RemedyLIVE, has launched a series of public service announcements highlighting the dangers of fentanyl. These efforts are backed by opioid settlement funds, providing a crucial resource in combating the epidemic.
Brandenberger, who also serves as president of the Indiana Coroners Association, is set to present the campaign’s framework to other counties, encouraging them to adopt similar initiatives.
A Blueprint for Other Communities
Brandenberger emphasized the importance of leveraging available opioid settlement funds to support public education efforts.
“We were aware there were opioid funds, we were aware they were controlled by the commissioners,” he said. “I want to talk to them about how to approach the commissioners with a plan and they can have everything we’ve done.”
His goal is to provide other counties with a ready-made strategy, ensuring that local officials can implement similar programs with minimal barriers.
The Fentanyl Threat and Public Awareness
Law enforcement and health officials continue to warn the public about the increasing prevalence of fentanyl-laced pills. Many of these pills are counterfeit, made to resemble prescription medications but containing lethal doses of the synthetic opioid.
- Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
- Just 2 milligrams—the equivalent of a few grains of salt—can be fatal.
- The DEA has reported that six out of ten counterfeit pills tested contain potentially lethal doses of fentanyl.
The “One Pill Can Kill” campaign is designed to reinforce these facts, urging people to avoid any medication not prescribed directly by a doctor or dispensed by a licensed pharmacy.
Personal Stories Drive the Message Home
The campaign also features testimonials from families who have lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning. One such story is that of a Fort Wayne mother who uses her late son’s birthday to raise awareness. These personal accounts add a powerful, emotional layer to the campaign, making the statistics more tangible for the public.
Brandenberger believes that with widespread adoption, education, and public service efforts like this one, Indiana communities can make significant progress in reducing opioid-related deaths.
