Latest news with #JimmyChadwell
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Kentucky health officials warn against use of kratom
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Kratom is a tropical tree found in Southeast Asia, and it has been around for hundreds of years. Its leaves are sold throughout the United States and can treat things like pain, coughing, anxiety, depression, and even opioid use disorder and withdrawal. 'It is sold in Kentucky. Usually, it will come in either an herbal powder form or in a pill form,' said Program Director for Voices of Hope Lexington, Jimmy Chadwell. Kentucky health officials warn against use of kratom Kentucky judge tells lawmakers child removal process doesn't move quick enough in abuse investigations 1 charged, shelter-in-place ended in Saunders Lane after Boone County shooting investigation In early June, the Kentucky Department for Public Health and the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy put out a health alert advising the public not to consume kratom products and products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, better known as 7-OH. It is a chemical compound found in kratom. The health agencies warned that when 7-OH is concentrated or synthetically made, it can increase the risk of overdose, severe health issues, and death. Chadwell urges those using pure kratom products for their harm-reduction benefits to do so wisely. Kentuckians spend the 3rd highest share of their income on fast food Bill could make federal minimum wage $15: Kentucky among states paying less than that Kentucky sitting near bottom of rankings in environmental protection: Study 'Exercise caution. Moderate the amount you use. Never use it alone. Always have Narcan available. Okay? Because of these kratom and the 7-OH, they work on the opioid receptors. So having Narcan available is really going to save somebody's life,' he told FOX 56. Kratom is not FDA-approved and is illegal in six states. But Chadwell said that Voices of Hope, an organization for people recovering from substance abuse disorders, believes the answer is not more laws; it is more conversation. 'We believe that creating more laws surrounding drugs and drug users will not help the community. Instead, we feel that supporting increases in the availability of education and encouraging harm reduction initiatives when using any substance are the best route to go,' he said. Read more of the latest health and wellness news Health officials also said there are no guarantees that kratom products contain the ingredients the packages claim, have the correct concentrations, or are free from contaminants or other drugs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers say a dangerous drug-cutting agent was detected in Kentucky
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Researchers report that a dangerous drug adulterant has made its way to Kentucky. Local organizations partner with the University of Kentucky Harm Reduction Hub to collect used syringes for testing. A recent study shows that Bis (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate (BTMPS), a UV stabilizer, is being used to dilute fentanyl in Jefferson County. Read more of the latest Kentucky news This marks the first known detection of BTMPS being used in Kentucky, per a press release. 'Research indicates that BTMPS can lead to severe cardiotoxicity, ocular damage, and evensudden death,' Voices of Hope, a recovery organization, wrote. 'Adding to the concern, this compound has calcium channel-blocking properties that may complicate overdose reversal, making it imperative for medical professionals to be aware of this emerging threat.' BTMPS has been detected in nine locations across the nation, with the largest samples found in Los Angeles, California, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Out of 284 drug samples collected in the two cities, 98 tested positive for containing BTMPS. Researchers say a dangerous drug-cutting agent was detected in Kentucky Lexington business owner still considering run for US Senate 3 killed in Louisville drivers license branch shooting: 'No suspects' 'Most samples had more BTMPS than fentanyl by mass, with eight having no detectable fentanyl,' the study reads. 'Public safety is our top priority, and we urge anyone who may come into contact with illicitdrugs to recognize this growing risk,' said Jimmy Chadwell, Program Director at Voices ofHope. 'Individuals who use drugs should never do so alone and must exercise extracaution due to the presence of BTMPS in the drug supply. Education and awareness arecrucial in addressing the escalating dangers of drug adulteration.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
