 |
|||
| Friend, Earlier this week, we let you know about a viral video released by the San Diego Sheriff’s Department falsely claiming that a police officer suffered an overdose as a result of simply touching fentanyl. We also let you know that this is a dangerous myth. The truth is it’s not possible to overdose on fentanyl just by coming into casual contact with it. We’ve been fighting back and the story has now been thoroughly disputed by medical experts across the country. But the San Diego Sheriff’s Department has done nothing to correct the story or acknowledge its role in spreading misinformation. Let’s hold them accountable: sign our petition to demand that San Diego Sheriff William Gore retract the story, stop claiming that touching fentanyl can cause overdose, and instead share the real facts about fentanyl. After a week of backlash and medical experts debunking this story, Sheriff Gore finally commented and admitted he was the one who diagnosed what he was seeing as an overdose even though he isn’t a doctor. And despite claiming it as an overdose, there were no toxicology reports performed. Nothing about this adds up. It’s clear that the police department is evading the issue and refusing to take responsibility for the misinformation it’s spreading. And the video is still up on its social media accounts which will attract new viewers and continue peddling this dangerous myth. Enough is enough. Add your name to our petition to help us force the San Diego Sheriff to take down the video and retract the lies immediately. This is just one of far too many examples of the media and law enforcement irresponsibly perpetuating dangerous myths about fentanyl. Even though science and medical expertise is on our side, the misinformation spreads like wildfire and has harmful consequences. These myths fuel the ramping up of disastrous drug war policies and harsh punishments instead of focusing on health-based solutions that will save lives. This is particularly dangerous in the midst of the overdose crisis in which we know prioritizing a health response is the only way to prevent needless deaths. While it’s encouraging to see our work has resulted in significant pushback on this fentanyl myth, we need to keep the pressure on to ensure people know the truth. Please consider making a donation to DPA to help us continue to fight misinformation in real time and to end the war on drugs.
|
|||
|
The Drug Policy Alliance depends entirely on private donations to fund our work to end the war on drugs and promote new drug policies grounded in science, compassion, health, and human rights. Your support is crucial – thank you!
Receive fewer emails. - Contact Us. Drug Policy Alliance |
