Cookies with a Cop at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Kroc

The public is invited to enjoy cookies while interacting with local police officers and partners, and learning about drug trends and prevention initiatives in the community.

Cookies with a Cop will take place Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Road, Coeur d'Alene.

The drug education event, presented by Panhandle Health District and Idaho State Police will feature special presentations by ISP personnel, Sgt. Stennett and Capt. John Kempf, Idaho Law Enforcement Division panel and local community resources.

“Drug related overdoses can affect every demographic of our population, so it is more important than ever to raise awareness on this important topic,” said Kelsey Orlando, substance use disorder programs manager at PHD. “Panhandle Health District views substance use as a top priority health concern. We have internal and community partner team efforts ongoing in prevention outreach strategies, initiatives for harm reduction and recovery services, and aim to get people the help they need while promoting positive impacts throughout our five county jurisdiction.”

The health district's overdose response team issued an overdose spike alert Friday June 3 after three overdoses occurred within a 24-hour period in Kootenai County, all linked to illicit fentanyl.

These counterfeit pills, often called “Mexies,” “Mexican Oxys,” or “M30s,” are typically light blue in color, stamped with an “M” on one side and a “30” on the other to resemble pharmaceutical oxycodone. Fentanyl is an extremely strong opioid that can be fatal in small doses. Although Fentanyl can be prescribed for certain severe and terminal conditions, it is also sold through illicit channels, often laced into other substances not limited to heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis, and other manufactured pills.

Panhandle Health District and ISP are asking community members to take the following steps:

• Carry naloxone, naloxone is free by calling North Idaho Aids Coalition (NIAC) 208-665-1448 or by visiting www.notscarytocarry.org.

• If you think someone is experiencing an overdose, call 9-1-1 immediately and administer naloxone.

• Do not use substances alone and use slowly.

• Check in with friends and family.

Panhandle Health District is also reminding people about Idaho’s Good Samaritan Law which protects the person overdosing and the bystander from being charged or prosecuted if they act in good faith while seeking medical assistance for a person experiencing a drug related overdose.

For more information on treatment and recovery visit NorthIdahoConnections.org

Teens, parents, and professionals are encouraged to attend Cookies with a Cop. Registration available via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cookies-with-a-cop-tickets-329951001327