Vancouver’s Unconventional Approach to Its Fentanyl Crisis

<p> An influx of Fentanyl, a highly lethal synthetic narcotic, has aggravated the opioid crisis in the United States and prompted communities to scramble for ways to lower the skyrocketing rates of overdose deaths.</p><p>In Vancouver, a Canadian city that has been at the forefront of innovative approaches to drug use, a novel and surprising tactic is being tried: It’s called “safer supply.”</p><p>Guest: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/stephanie-nolen?smid=pc-thedaily">Stephanie Nolen</a>, a global health reporter for The New York Times.</p><p>Background reading: </p><ul><li>The mounting toll of overdose deaths has spurred a search for new solutions, and Vancouver has<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/26/health/fentanyl-vancouver-drugs.html"> tried more of them, faster, than anywhere else</a>.</li><li>Why is fentanyl so deadly? How can you ensure that your loved ones, including your children, stay safe?<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/19/well/live/what-is-fentanyl.html"> Experts offer tips to talk about opioids</a> with your family.</li></ul><p>For more information on today’s episode, visit <a href="http://nytimes.com/thedaily?smid=pc-thedaily">nytimes.com/thedaily</a>. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. </p>