After massive fentanyl raid, local service provider discusses dangerous drug

CLAY COUNTY, Missouri (KCTV) — On Tuesday, the Clay County Sheriff's Office announced the largest fentanyl raid in the agency's history. Officials said they seized enough fentanyl to kill nearly 330,000 people.

The sheriff's office said that when fentanyl first appeared in the county, they worked with school districts and local organizations like Beacon Mental Health to raise awareness about the dangerous synthetic opioid.

“It's a scary drug,” said Talina Nelson, chief clinical officer at Beacon Mental Health. “It's probably become more prevalent over the last five years and every year it becomes more and more obvious.”

“We see people all the time coming to us seeking treatment for opioid use, including fentanyl. Sometimes that's what they're looking for, and sometimes it's more that people aren't aware that it's in street drugs.”

Beacon Mental Health, formerly known as Tri-County Mental Health, is an organization serving Clay, Platte, and Ray counties, providing outpatient mental health, substance abuse treatment, and prevention and youth services.

“We receive funding from the state for opioid treatment,” Nelson said. “We offer medication-assisted treatment here, we offer outpatient therapy, group therapy, and we also do a lot of youth prevention work in schools and community coalitions.”

READ MORE: Sheriff: Fentanyl raid in Clay County big enough to kill most of Kansas City

They also work with local law enforcement agencies such as the Clay County Sheriff's Office.

“To make sure that officers have support and counseling from mental health professionals when there is a mental health crisis or a substance abuse problem in the community,” Nelson said. “These liaisons go out into the community with the police officers and try to manage any crisis that might arise.”

Nelson said she urged caution as more fentanyl is being observed in the population.

“I would advise anyone who is taking a substance that is not prescribed to them to be cautious with fentanyl or xylazine,” Nelson said. “We are seeing all substances being laced with fentanyl right now. So there are things you can do to reduce your risk, like fentanyl test strips, things like making sure you are not alone, having Narcan handy and available, and just playing it safe and getting help if you want it or need it.”

Beacon Mental Health provides treatment with Narcan and Fentanyl test strips.

“Fentanyl is extremely addictive and about 100 times more potent,” Nelson said. “If you think about it, even a small amount can lead to really bad consequences. We're seeing it more and more compared to heroin or other street drugs because it's so potent. You don't really know how much you're getting. It's not regulated. You can overdose. You can't even know you're taking it.”

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