Exploring fentanyl prevalance in New York City

By Bilal Abbas

Backed by MOHAMMAD A KHAN, Ayaz Hameed, James Fredrick Patrick Young, Paige Diner, LMSW, Farhan Malik, Sahir Ali, Barry Spunt, Wewin Tjiasmanto, Jamil Ahmed, Ric Curtis, and 15 other backers

Edison, New Jersey

Social Science

DOI: 10.18258/14290

$1,778

Raised of $1,523 Goal

116%

Funded on 10/07/19

Successfully Funded

$1,778
pledged
116%
funded
Funded
on 10/07/19

?How does this work?

Project Results

A large majority of the bags tested positive for fentanyl. Unstamped, or unbranded stamps were more likely to test positive for fentanyl. More research is needed to learn about both, consumer and supplier perspectives.

https://pointshistory.com/2021...

About This Project

The prevalence of opioid use in New York City has been documented. I aim to explore the prevalence of fentanyl in NYC heroin using rapid test-strips. Prevalence will also be described among distinct brands in New York City black-markets.

Fentanyl presence will be explored in already used and empty heroin bags. Residual amounts will be tested, which may not be visibly present to the naked eye. The study will impact health policy and help inform interventions for fentanyl overdose.

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What is the context of this research?

Overdose deaths involving synthetic (man-made) opioids like fentanyl (which is 80-100 times stronger than morphine) increased almost 47% from 2016 to 2017 in the United States. A 55% drug overdose increase in New York City was observed from 2015-2017, and in 2017, 57% of overdose deaths involved fentanyl.

Using test-strips for identifying contamination is an effective intervention in combating overdose, especially among young adults.

Heroin is distinctly branded (using rubber stamps, for example) prior to distribution. To the best of my knowledge, the prevalence of fentanyl among various brands available, and the prevalence of fentanyl in the street-market more generally has yet to be examined. This is a novel project.

There is no human subject involvement.

What is the significance of this project?

Drug users have been found to actively seek higher potency heroin despite being advised about the presence of fentanyl, and being educated about overdose risk. Similarly, an increase in illicit use of fentanyl has been reported.

Exploring the prevalence of fentanyl can provide insight into whether fentanyl may be poised to replace heroin in New York City markets. Describing the prevalence of fentanyl by brand in New York City may raise awareness concerning contamination, and assumed lethality. Naloxone, the overdose antidote, is an effective intervention to combat overdose, but may be rendered useless due to the rapid onset of fentanyl.

Implications for health policy concerning overdose will be explored.

What are the goals of the project?

I will explore the likliehood of fentanyl contamination in heroin avaialble for sale in New York City, and the prevalence of fentanyl contamination among distinct brands on the heroin black-markets.

To do this, I will collect used heroin bags in New York City and test residue for fentanyl contamination using test-strips.

Collection will be completed by 3 assistants who currently engage in syringe clean-up in areas where drug use is prevalent. The test strips use immunoassay technology to quickly and reliably detect the presence of fentanyl and its analogs.

Data will be recorded by the number of used and empty heroin bags tested, the distinct brand tested, and whether it is contaminated or not.

Budget

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The absolute bare minimum is being requested for executing this project:

1) Fentanyl test-strips are necessary to test the used heroin bags.

Fentanyl test strips

2) Three assistants to help in collecting samples.

3) Traveling budget for assistants and myself, for traveling through the City when collecting samples.

4) Rubber gloves and ziploc bags, for collecting, storing and testing samples.

Gloves ; Ziploc bags

Endorsed by

I am really excited about this project. Bilal is highly skilled with researching in social justice issues that impacts public health and the lives of those affected! Way to go Bilal I’m more knowledgeable about fentanyl possibly replacing heroin.

Hassanah smith

Public servant

Rutgers University MPA alumna

I worked closely with Bilal on a related project concerning naloxone access and availability at NYC pharmacies. Bilal is a diligent, driven, and passionate researcher and I enthusiastically support this new venture!

Jakob Schnaidt

Social Worker

New studies are needed around the opioid epidemic nationally but especially in cities like New York. In 2017 New York saw over 3,000 opioid-related deaths. The national ratio per 100,000 is 14:1 while in New York, it was 16:1. Synthetic opioids related deaths (ex. fentanyl) saw the most significant spike since 2013. These numbers speak to the need for this project. I worked with Bilal during our tenure at Columbia University, and we need more researcher like him who are passionate about the studies they develop. New York needs this study.

Durrell Malik Washington Sr. MSW

PhD Student

University of Chicago School of Social Service administration

As a Personal Crisis Manager, I have worked with many families that have had, and are continuing to deal with the ongoing effects of an addict in the family. This project could potentially save lives and slow the destruction of many family units. More research and better policy is always needed. I fully support Bilal's endeavor.

Julio Briones

Personal Crisis Manager/CEO

Briones Consulting Group

Substance abuse has been a major social issue in this country. I believe we need strong research and data to combat the epidemic that is facing our great nation. I support resources and evidence-based practice that have been proven as a suitable way to address the major substance abuse issue. Therefore, I endorse Bilal and encourage him to continue making more positive impacts.

Stanley Agwanihu, MSW, MHA Candidate

Program Supervisor

I have seen the pain drug use can cause. I almost lost my childhood best friend. Multiple young people overdosed in a community I lived in a few years ago. I feel that this issue is not always front and center in social and political conversation because if someone is not personally affected by it, it is an issue that falls along the wayside. This is exactly why we need dedicated researchers like Bilal, so that the public may have access to accurate information, and so that we may be able to properly support those affected by it

Tatiana Neiman

LMSW

Columbia University Alumn

I endorse this research study to help fulfill the purpose of this field.

Fatima Mabrouk

Research Assistant

Hunter Silberman School of Social Work

Fentanyl’s continues prevalence in substance use-related deaths is a sign of its significant lethality. What makes Fentanyl all the more alarming however is the fact that people are largely unaware that they are using it. People experiencing addiction too often die because they were using a substance that was laced with Fentanyl. Continued research into this ongoing story is imperative.

Jake Nyklicek, LCSW

Social Worker and Clinician

Columbia University

I believe this study will benefit the community and enhance research on this topic. This researcher is highly qualified and will make a strong impact.

Lindsey Ann

LMSW

Columbia School of Social Work

I fully endorse this project. It is important, relevant, sound and can impact the area of addiction in very meaningful ways. The researcher is highly qualified and asks for the bare minimum to complete the project. The best interest of the community is at heart.

Nicole Sorce

BA, BSN, RN

UMDNJ

I endorse this project. As a fellow social worker I have seen the opioid epidemic at its worst. The epidemic needs funding and extensive research to promote education and wellness to opioid users, their families, and the general population.

Deanna Alyssa

LMSW

Columbia University

I fully endorse this project. The opioid epidemic shows no signs of slowing down and we need to know as much about it in order to serve our communities efficiently.

Emma Kirshblum

Social Worker

Columbia School of Social Work

Having worked with Bilal on another project, I witnessed his passion and unwavering commitment towards the very difficult task of mapping the access and availability of overdose reversal drug Naloxone in New York City. He is dedicated and creative in helping find solutions to this important crisis. I believe in his capabilities and endorse this project.

Klévis Dashi

Social Worker

Columbia School of Social Work

Bilal will be taking on an admirable mission and has my endorsement and support in doing so with this project. The opioid crisis has reached a point where immediate and extreme intervention is obligatory.

Ahlam Elbedewe

LCADC

This project will provide much needed information that will benefit all of society. The epidemic of overdosing carries a tangible cost in loss of life, loss of productivity, parental neglect of minor children, and increased use of emergency services. Educating the public is the first step in countering this alarming trend.

Joanne Standlee MSW

Consultant

Social IMPACT Consulting

I endorse this research project. Although law enforcement seizures have shown increasing adulteration of the heroin with fentanyl, drug seizures may not be representative of the full supply of heroin and additional research is needed. Bilal's study will help establish the extent to which fentanyl is present in heroin distributed in NY.

Peter Treitler

Project Coordinator

Rutgers University

I have worked closely with Bilal on a similar research project. I have experienced firsthand his organizational ability and his drive. The prevalence of fentanyl overdoses have increased dramatically over recent years and I believe this project will help inform safety.

Diane Huang

Undergraduate Student

Columbia University

As someone who does direct service work, I have witnessed the impacts of fentanyl among young adults. This study will provide much needed insight into whether fentanyl has replaced heroin in NYC. The information from this study will inform policies, and best practices for providers. I fully endorse this study.

Jasmeen Nijjar, LMSW

Supervising Social Worker

Columbia University School of Social Work

I enthusiastically endorse this research study on the prevalence of fentanyl which will provide insight into whether fentanyl may be poised to replace heroin in New York City markets. This study may raise awareness concerning contamination, and assumed lethality. Bilal Abbas I am confident the insights gained will be valuable.

Lisa P Dean

LSW, LCADC

Project Timeline

Crowdfunding will be completed by October 31st, 2019.

Collection of samples will be completed by November 30th, 2019.

Samples will be tested for fentanyl by December 31st, 2019.

Data sets will be prepared, with quality checks completed by January 15th, 2019.

Data analysis will be executed by January 31st, 2019.

Results and findings will be reported by February 21st, 2019.

Sep 24, 2019

Project Launched

Oct 31, 2019

Reach crowdfunding goal

Oct 31, 2019

Complete collecting samples

Nov 30, 2019

Complete testing collected samples

Dec 15, 2019

Complete data set preparation

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Meet the Team

Bilal Abbas

MPA, MSW

Bilal Abbas

Bilal completed the MPA from Rutgers University in Newark, and the MSW from Columbia University in New York City in 2018. He is employed as a research coordinator at Albert Einstein College of medicine, facilitating research concerning substance use treatment.