Baltimore launches 'bad batch' text-alert system for overdoses (Baltimore Sun)

Friday Aug 18th, 2017

With the help of student computer programmers, Baltimore health officials have launched a text-messaging service to warn residents when deadly batches of drugs are in their neighborhood.

Facing a dramatic rise in overdose deaths due to potent and cheap fentanyl, city officials partnered with the nonprofit Code in the Schools to design a warning system they hope will keep more drug users alive.

“People are using fentanyl without realizing it,” said Dr. Leana Wen, Baltimore’s health commissioner. “Fentanyl is getting mixed in with heroin, cocaine, prescription drugs. They’re overdosing and dying without realizing what they’re taking.”

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