PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Like states across the country, Rhode Island is contending with a drug addiction and overdose crisis largely attributable to fentanyl, an especially potent synthetic opioid with often deadly consequences when misused. On top of that, a dangerous substance called “tranq” is increasingly turning up in the illicit drug supply.

On Thursday, Jan. 19, U.S. Senator Jack Reed convened a discussion at Brown University’s School of Public Health to sound the alarm about these serious threats and to discuss practical solutions.

Reed joined Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha and Chief Sidney Wordell of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association in meeting with leading researchers at the School of Public Health to discuss efforts to combat the opioid crisis and to urge strategic, coordinated, urgent action to help save lives and prevent illicit drugs from taking a further toll on individuals, families and entire communities.

“We worried about fentanyl… and now we have tranq to confront,” Reed said. “The good news is that the Brown team is on it: They’re researching it. They’re trying to find out the ramifications of its use. They’re trying to find ways to deal with it and treat it. So we’re in the game.” KEEP READING