Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - "Seven people in one day is astronomical."
Cheryll Moore recently retired as Opioid Program Director for the Erie County Department of Health. During an appearance on WBEN on Tuesday, she sounded just as passionate as a volunteer, as she did when she was in charge of the program.
"Fentanyl is so strong, and it's not changing," said Moore. "People have to be very, very careful if they use something. They have to make sure they have Narcan. They have to make sure they have test strips and test their product."
The message can be jarring, but that's the point.
"I would prefer if people wouldn't use drugs, but if you're going to use something, test it. Make sure you have Narcan, and make sure someone is there to use it on you," Moore said.
In May, Erie County announced 151 confirmed deaths to opioids so far this year. Moore says the county could be looking at well over 500 deaths in 2024.
"It's breaking my heart. This could be the highest year we've ever had," she said.
Moore stressed that Narcan is free, and you can text (716)-225-5473 for more information. Fentanyl test strips are also available in the doorway of the Rath Building. No questions are asked.
If you're alone, call (877)-696-1996, and someone will stay on the phone with you. Erie County has more information HERE.
"It's a different world today. People that are dying are older. They're in their 50s and 60s," Moore said. "Any kind of street drug is adulterated. It has been mixed with another substance. Things like cocaine, Molly drugs, club drugs, Percocet are all cut with Fentanyl. People don't expect it."
Seven deaths in one day. Is it a bad batch?
"It very well could be," explained Moore. "Over the years we have had events like this. We saw five one day. They tend to be groups of people that were together. Or they got something from the same source. By the time we identify it, it tends to be gone or off the street."
For Moore, it's personal. She lost a sister to drugs, and she doesn't want other people to experience what her family has.
"The message is, you don't know what you're getting. When you're buying drugs on the street, it's a crap shoot. It can kill you. Make sure you have Narcan," she pleaded.