November 20, 2025 • 13 mins
What’s driving Denver’s spike in fentanyl overdoses, and why does the supply seem stronger than ever? We take you inside the data and the street-level realities: how potency, low production costs, and distribution through a regional transit hub have reshaped the market; why counterfeit pills and polysubstance mixes catch people off guard; and how improved testing revealed the true scale of the problem. From emergency calls to hospital bedsides, you’ll hear how the human impact shows up across families, first responders, and public services.
We share the concrete steps the city is taking under Mayor Mike Johnston’s leadership, blending public health with focused enforcement. That includes expanding naloxone access, distributing fentanyl test strips, supporting syringe services, and increasing low-barrier treatment for opioid use disorder through city clinics, hospitals, and mobile outreach. Public health alerts now flag dangerous batches and counterfeit pills, while investigations target major suppliers. Progress is measurable—more reversals, more treatment access, tighter coordination—but challenges remain: volatile supply, stubborn stigma, and limited capacity slow the pace of change.
Then we pivot to schools, where substance use trends have evolved alongside vaping and high-THC products. Denver-area districts are moving beyond zero tolerance toward approaches that work: evidence-based education, screening and brief intervention, onsite clinicians, family engagement, and restorative discipline that keeps students connected to support. Staff training in naloxone and practical harm reduction messages meet the moment, while data-driven monitoring helps schools adapt to new products and risks. The path forward is clear and compassionate: prevention that resonates, treatment that’s accessible, and enforcement focused on harms, not headlines.
If this conversation helped you think differently about fentanyl and youth substance use, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_00 (00:00):
Thank you for tuning in to Great Day Colorado's Best
Podcast Show.
If you are listening to ourshort clips on TikTok,
Instagram, or other social mediasites, please visit
GreatdayColorado dot com tolisten and download the full
version.
Thank you for being a fan andsharing the love.
Now on to the show.
Welcome to Great Day Colorado'sMile High Matters.
I'm DJ Mikey D.
(00:21):
For this episode we will discusswhy fentanyl concentrations in
Denver have risen, what localdata tells us, and how Mayor
Mike Johnston is responding tothe crisis.
Have you driven up tointersections in the Denver
Metro and observed a personalmost in a zombie state bent
completely forward that wouldmake a yoga fanatic jealous?
If so, it is likely they aremore than just mile high, they
(00:43):
are on fentanyl or a combinationof various other drugs.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioidmany times more potent than
heroin or morphine.
Over the past several years,Denver, like many U.S.
cities, has seen a sharpincrease in fentanyl related
overdoses and deaths.
In Colorado overall, the StateHealth Department reported a
dramatic increase in fentanylinvolved deaths over the last
(01:05):
five years, and Denver County'soverdose numbers have reflected
that trend.
This episode breaks downcontributing factors and local
responses.
Here are the key local figureslisteners should know.
Denver's medical examiner andlocal public health reporting
show fentanyl has been a leadingdriver of overdose deaths in
recent years, often surpassingheroin and prescription opioids
(01:25):
in involvement.
In Denver County, emergencydepartments and EMS have
reported increased fentanylrelated runs and overdoses year
over year.
Federal and state surveillancealso show a nationwide spike in
fentanyl presence in bothpressed pills and powder sold as
other drugs.
Law enforcement and publichealth agencies have noted that
a large share of recent overdosedeaths involve fentanyl combined
(01:49):
with stimulants likemethamphetamine or cocaine, why
Denver is seeing higher fentanylconcentration.
Several interacting reasons helpexplain why fentanyl has become
more concentrated in Denver'sillicit drug supply, for
example, supply and economics.
Fentanyl is cheap to produce andextremely potent in small
amounts, which lowers transportrisk and raises profit margins.
(02:11):
Traffickers across regions,including those supplying
Colorado, shifted towardfentanyl because it's easier to
traffic and more profitable.
Other factors, distributionnetworks and geography.
Denver is a regional hub fortransportation and commerce in
the mountain west.
Major highways and rail linksmake it a distribution node,
which can increase availabilityof illicit drugs passing through
(02:32):
or sold locally.
Another example, polysubstanceuse trends.
Dealers increasingly pressfentanyl into counterfeit pills
or mix it with other drugs,heroin, meth, cocaine, to
increase potency or mimicprescription opioids.
Users may not know a productcontains fentanyl, elevating
overdose risk.
Changes in demand and tolerancepeople with opioid use disorder
(02:57):
who lost access to prescriptionopioids may shift to illicit
supplies, where fentanyl haslargely supplanted heroin.
Those with reduced opioidtolerance are at higher overdose
risk when fentanyl is present.
Lastly, testing and detectionimprovements, greater use of
toxicology, testing and publichealth surveillance has
increased detection of fentanyl,making concentrations appear
(03:18):
higher, though the underlyingspread is also real.
So what is the health andcommunity impact?
The human toll shows up inemergency calls,
hospitalizations and deaths,plus ripple effects across
families and services.
Denver's first responders reportmore naloxone administrations
and harm reduction providershave scaled up testing strip
distribution and outreach.
(03:39):
Communities bear bothheartbreaking loss and strain on
public resources.
So what is Mayor Mike Johnston'sresponse?
Mayor Mike Johnston and DenverCity Agencies have taken several
steps to address the crisis.
Key components of the localresponse include expanding harm
reduction.
What is that, you ask?
(03:59):
The city has supporteddistribution of naloxone and
fentanyl test strips, backedsyringe services, and
coordinated with nonprofit harmreduction organizations to reach
people who use drugs.
They have also have increasedtreatment access and recovery
services.
Initiatives aim to increaseaccess to medication for opioid
use disorder, like buprenorphineand methadone through city
(04:22):
clinics, partnerships withhospitals, and mobile outreach.
The mayor's office hasemphasized expanding low barrier
treatment and rapid referralsfrom emergency departments and
shelters.
The mayor's office has alsoincreased public education and
warnings.
Denver Public Health and theMayor's Office issue alerts
about counterfeit pills anddangerous batches, and run
(04:42):
public awareness campaigns toencourage carrying the loxone
and using testing strips.
Authorities have pursuedinvestigations targeting major
suppliers and organizeddistribution networks.
The city describes a balancedapproach, target supply chains
but prioritize public healthmeasures to reduce harm.
Mayor Johnston has pushed forfederal and state grant funding
and coordinated between publichealth, EMS, hospitals,
(05:04):
behavioral health providers, andcommunity organizations to align
response efforts.
Progress includes wider naloxoneavailability, more community
harm reduction services, andincreased treatment capacity.
Challenges remain, supplyremains volatile, stigma and
access barriers still stop manyfrom seeking treatment, and
resource limitations constrainrapid scaling.
(05:26):
Experts say a multi prongedapproach, prevention, harm
reduction, treatment, recoverysupports, and targeted
enforcement is essential.
If you or someone you know isstruggling with substance use in
Denver, local resources includeDenver Health Community Clinics
offering medications for opioiduse disorder, harm reduction
groups that distribute naloxoneand test strips, and the
(05:48):
Colorado Crisis Services line atone eight four four four four
four four four four four fourfour four four four four four
four four four four four fournine three talk.
For updated local numbers andprogram details, check Denver
Public Health and the ColoradoDepartment of Public Health and
Environment websites.
Thanks for listening to GreatDay Colorado's Mile High
Matters.
I'm DJ Mikey D.
Stay locked in for our nextepisode about how local schools
(06:09):
are responding to studentsubstance use after these brief
messages.
Be sure to visitGreatdayColorado dot com to
answer the latest poll onquestions that concern Colorado.
Stay safe.
(08:10):
Welcome to Great Day Colorado'sMile High Matters, the podcast
that explores the people,policies, and places shaping
life in Denver and beyond.
I'm DJ Mikey D coming to youwith the latest on what's
happening in our schools andcommunities.
For this episode, we're tacklinga tough but crucial topic,
student increase in substanceuse here in the Denver Metro.
Let's start with the bigpicture.
(08:31):
We've seen some significantshifts since Colorado legalized
recreational marijuana back intwenty twelve.
Now, while purchase remainsrestricted to adults twenty one
and over, we did see increasesin adolescent access and
accidental exposures in thoseearly years after legalization.
And it's not just cannabis we'retalking about.
(08:52):
National and state trends showrising use of vaping products
among adolescents, pluspersistent alcohol use that
continues to be a concern acrossour high schools and middle
schools.
So what are Denver area schoolsdoing about this?
Well, they're taking amultipronged approach.
Districts are reinforcing andupdating student conduct codes
(09:13):
to explicitly address newproducts and behaviors.
They're coordinating with locallaw enforcement for incidents
that indicate criminal behavior,but here's the important shift.
They're striving to balancedisciplinary action with
educational and health focusedresponses.
Many schools are now usingevidence-based curricula to
educate students about substanceuse risks and decision making
(09:34):
skills.
After that youth vaping surge wesaw a few years back, anti
vaping campaigns and targetededucation really ramped up to
inform students and familiesabout health risks and legal
consequences.
Here's where things get reallyinteresting and promising.
Schools are increasinglyadopting screening and brief
intervention approaches.
(09:55):
Instead of just punishingstudents, they're identifying
those at risk and connectingthem with services.
Many Denver area schools haveexpanded access to on-site
mental health clinicians andschool based health centers that
can provide brief interventionsor referrals to community
treatment.
Family involvement is anotherkey piece of this puzzle.
Schools are working with parentsthrough education nights and
(10:15):
regular communications,providing information on how to
recognize substance use andsecure products at home.
Partnerships with communityorganizations are creating
referral pathways for assessmentand treatment while supplying
prevention resources.
Some schools are evenemphasizing harm reduction
messaging, encouraging studentsto seek help for peers in
overdose situations and trainingstaff in the lock zone
(10:37):
administration.
They're also educating studentsabout the specific risks of
cannabis infused edibles inthose high THC vaping cartridges
that have become so prevalent.
This represents a realphilosophical shift in how we
approach student discipline.
Instead of exclusionarypractices like suspension, many
(10:57):
Denver schools are implementingrestorative justice and
supportive disciplinaryalternatives that focus on
accountability and connection toservices.
Data collection is also playinga bigger role.
Districts are using incidentreports and anonymous student
surveys to track trends andtailor their responses to
emerging products and riskpatterns.
(11:17):
It's about being proactiverather than reactive.
Now let's be real about thechallenges that remain.
There are still barriers totimely youth appropriate
treatment.
The influence of legal adultcannabis markets continues to be
a factor, and the rapidevolution of new products,
especially in the vaping space,makes it difficult for
prevention efforts to keep pace.
Resource constraints are anotherreality, particularly in schools
(11:41):
with limited counseling staff.
Progress really depends onstrengthening community
treatment capacity, keepingprevention messaging current,
and ensuring equitable access tosupport services for all
students, regardless of whichschool they attend or what
neighborhood they live in.
Looking ahead, the workcontinues.
Schools are adapting to changingpatterns, evolving laws, and new
(12:01):
products that seem to emergeconstantly.
The focus is on creatingenvironments where students can
make healthy choices and getsupport when they need it.
What's clear is that the oldapproach of just punishing
students wasn't working.
The shift toward education,intervention, and support
represents a more compassionateand effective way to address
student substance use whilekeeping our schools safe and
(12:23):
focused on learning.
If you're a parent or educatorworried about student substance
use, check the show notes forlocal resources, hotlines, and
links to Denver Public Schoolshealth pages and state public
health guidance.
Thanks for listening to GreatDay Colorado's Mile High
Matters.
I'm DJ Mikey D.
If this episode was helpful,subscribe and share, and join us
(12:43):
on our next episode as we lookat affordable housing
initiatives across the region.
Thank you for being a Great DayColorado fan.
Be sure to check out our latestpoll about Colorado.
Also, make sure you sign up forour newsletter to receive the
latest podcast updates andcontest announcements to win
some cool giveaways.
Thank you for tuning in to Great Day Colorado's Best
Podcast Show.
If you are listening to ourshort clips on TikTok,
Instagram, or other social mediasites, please visit
GreatdayColorado dot com tolisten and download the full
version.
Thank you for being a fan andsharing the love.
Now on to the show.
Welcome to Great Day Colorado'sMile High Matters.
I'm DJ Mikey D.
(00:21):
For this episode we will discusswhy fentanyl concentrations in
Denver have risen, what localdata tells us, and how Mayor
Mike Johnston is responding tothe crisis.
Have you driven up tointersections in the Denver
Metro and observed a personalmost in a zombie state bent
completely forward that wouldmake a yoga fanatic jealous?
If so, it is likely they aremore than just mile high, they
(00:43):
are on fentanyl or a combinationof various other drugs.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioidmany times more potent than
heroin or morphine.
Over the past several years,Denver, like many U.S.
cities, has seen a sharpincrease in fentanyl related
overdoses and deaths.
In Colorado overall, the StateHealth Department reported a
dramatic increase in fentanylinvolved deaths over the last
(01:05):
five years, and Denver County'soverdose numbers have reflected
that trend.
This episode breaks downcontributing factors and local
responses.
Here are the key local figureslisteners should know.
Denver's medical examiner andlocal public health reporting
show fentanyl has been a leadingdriver of overdose deaths in
recent years, often surpassingheroin and prescription opioids
(01:25):
in involvement.
In Denver County, emergencydepartments and EMS have
reported increased fentanylrelated runs and overdoses year
over year.
Federal and state surveillancealso show a nationwide spike in
fentanyl presence in bothpressed pills and powder sold as
other drugs.
Law enforcement and publichealth agencies have noted that
a large share of recent overdosedeaths involve fentanyl combined
(01:49):
with stimulants likemethamphetamine or cocaine, why
Denver is seeing higher fentanylconcentration.
Several interacting reasons helpexplain why fentanyl has become
more concentrated in Denver'sillicit drug supply, for
example, supply and economics.
Fentanyl is cheap to produce andextremely potent in small
amounts, which lowers transportrisk and raises profit margins.
(02:11):
Traffickers across regions,including those supplying
Colorado, shifted towardfentanyl because it's easier to
traffic and more profitable.
Other factors, distributionnetworks and geography.
Denver is a regional hub fortransportation and commerce in
the mountain west.
Major highways and rail linksmake it a distribution node,
which can increase availabilityof illicit drugs passing through
(02:32):
or sold locally.
Another example, polysubstanceuse trends.
Dealers increasingly pressfentanyl into counterfeit pills
or mix it with other drugs,heroin, meth, cocaine, to
increase potency or mimicprescription opioids.
Users may not know a productcontains fentanyl, elevating
overdose risk.
Changes in demand and tolerancepeople with opioid use disorder
(02:57):
who lost access to prescriptionopioids may shift to illicit
supplies, where fentanyl haslargely supplanted heroin.
Those with reduced opioidtolerance are at higher overdose
risk when fentanyl is present.
Lastly, testing and detectionimprovements, greater use of
toxicology, testing and publichealth surveillance has
increased detection of fentanyl,making concentrations appear
(03:18):
higher, though the underlyingspread is also real.
So what is the health andcommunity impact?
The human toll shows up inemergency calls,
hospitalizations and deaths,plus ripple effects across
families and services.
Denver's first responders reportmore naloxone administrations
and harm reduction providershave scaled up testing strip
distribution and outreach.
(03:39):
Communities bear bothheartbreaking loss and strain on
public resources.
So what is Mayor Mike Johnston'sresponse?
Mayor Mike Johnston and DenverCity Agencies have taken several
steps to address the crisis.
Key components of the localresponse include expanding harm
reduction.
What is that, you ask?
(03:59):
The city has supporteddistribution of naloxone and
fentanyl test strips, backedsyringe services, and
coordinated with nonprofit harmreduction organizations to reach
people who use drugs.
They have also have increasedtreatment access and recovery
services.
Initiatives aim to increaseaccess to medication for opioid
use disorder, like buprenorphineand methadone through city
(04:22):
clinics, partnerships withhospitals, and mobile outreach.
The mayor's office hasemphasized expanding low barrier
treatment and rapid referralsfrom emergency departments and
shelters.
The mayor's office has alsoincreased public education and
warnings.
Denver Public Health and theMayor's Office issue alerts
about counterfeit pills anddangerous batches, and run
(04:42):
public awareness campaigns toencourage carrying the loxone
and using testing strips.
Authorities have pursuedinvestigations targeting major
suppliers and organizeddistribution networks.
The city describes a balancedapproach, target supply chains
but prioritize public healthmeasures to reduce harm.
Mayor Johnston has pushed forfederal and state grant funding
and coordinated between publichealth, EMS, hospitals,
(05:04):
behavioral health providers, andcommunity organizations to align
response efforts.
Progress includes wider naloxoneavailability, more community
harm reduction services, andincreased treatment capacity.
Challenges remain, supplyremains volatile, stigma and
access barriers still stop manyfrom seeking treatment, and
resource limitations constrainrapid scaling.
(05:26):
Experts say a multi prongedapproach, prevention, harm
reduction, treatment, recoverysupports, and targeted
enforcement is essential.
If you or someone you know isstruggling with substance use in
Denver, local resources includeDenver Health Community Clinics
offering medications for opioiduse disorder, harm reduction
groups that distribute naloxoneand test strips, and the
(05:48):
Colorado Crisis Services line atone eight four four four four
four four four four four fourfour four four four four four
four four four four four fournine three talk.
For updated local numbers andprogram details, check Denver
Public Health and the ColoradoDepartment of Public Health and
Environment websites.
Thanks for listening to GreatDay Colorado's Mile High
Matters.
I'm DJ Mikey D.
Stay locked in for our nextepisode about how local schools
(06:09):
are responding to studentsubstance use after these brief
messages.
Be sure to visitGreatdayColorado dot com to
answer the latest poll onquestions that concern Colorado.
Stay safe.
(08:10):
Welcome to Great Day Colorado'sMile High Matters, the podcast
that explores the people,policies, and places shaping
life in Denver and beyond.
I'm DJ Mikey D coming to youwith the latest on what's
happening in our schools andcommunities.
For this episode, we're tacklinga tough but crucial topic,
student increase in substanceuse here in the Denver Metro.
Let's start with the bigpicture.
(08:31):
We've seen some significantshifts since Colorado legalized
recreational marijuana back intwenty twelve.
Now, while purchase remainsrestricted to adults twenty one
and over, we did see increasesin adolescent access and
accidental exposures in thoseearly years after legalization.
And it's not just cannabis we'retalking about.
(08:52):
National and state trends showrising use of vaping products
among adolescents, pluspersistent alcohol use that
continues to be a concern acrossour high schools and middle
schools.
So what are Denver area schoolsdoing about this?
Well, they're taking amultipronged approach.
Districts are reinforcing andupdating student conduct codes
(09:13):
to explicitly address newproducts and behaviors.
They're coordinating with locallaw enforcement for incidents
that indicate criminal behavior,but here's the important shift.
They're striving to balancedisciplinary action with
educational and health focusedresponses.
Many schools are now usingevidence-based curricula to
educate students about substanceuse risks and decision making
(09:34):
skills.
After that youth vaping surge wesaw a few years back, anti
vaping campaigns and targetededucation really ramped up to
inform students and familiesabout health risks and legal
consequences.
Here's where things get reallyinteresting and promising.
Schools are increasinglyadopting screening and brief
intervention approaches.
(09:55):
Instead of just punishingstudents, they're identifying
those at risk and connectingthem with services.
Many Denver area schools haveexpanded access to on-site
mental health clinicians andschool based health centers that
can provide brief interventionsor referrals to community
treatment.
Family involvement is anotherkey piece of this puzzle.
Schools are working with parentsthrough education nights and
(10:15):
regular communications,providing information on how to
recognize substance use andsecure products at home.
Partnerships with communityorganizations are creating
referral pathways for assessmentand treatment while supplying
prevention resources.
Some schools are evenemphasizing harm reduction
messaging, encouraging studentsto seek help for peers in
overdose situations and trainingstaff in the lock zone
(10:37):
administration.
They're also educating studentsabout the specific risks of
cannabis infused edibles inthose high THC vaping cartridges
that have become so prevalent.
This represents a realphilosophical shift in how we
approach student discipline.
Instead of exclusionarypractices like suspension, many
(10:57):
Denver schools are implementingrestorative justice and
supportive disciplinaryalternatives that focus on
accountability and connection toservices.
Data collection is also playinga bigger role.
Districts are using incidentreports and anonymous student
surveys to track trends andtailor their responses to
emerging products and riskpatterns.
(11:17):
It's about being proactiverather than reactive.
Now let's be real about thechallenges that remain.
There are still barriers totimely youth appropriate
treatment.
The influence of legal adultcannabis markets continues to be
a factor, and the rapidevolution of new products,
especially in the vaping space,makes it difficult for
prevention efforts to keep pace.
Resource constraints are anotherreality, particularly in schools
(11:41):
with limited counseling staff.
Progress really depends onstrengthening community
treatment capacity, keepingprevention messaging current,
and ensuring equitable access tosupport services for all
students, regardless of whichschool they attend or what
neighborhood they live in.
Looking ahead, the workcontinues.
Schools are adapting to changingpatterns, evolving laws, and new
(12:01):
products that seem to emergeconstantly.
The focus is on creatingenvironments where students can
make healthy choices and getsupport when they need it.
What's clear is that the oldapproach of just punishing
students wasn't working.
The shift toward education,intervention, and support
represents a more compassionateand effective way to address
student substance use whilekeeping our schools safe and
(12:23):
focused on learning.
If you're a parent or educatorworried about student substance
use, check the show notes forlocal resources, hotlines, and
links to Denver Public Schoolshealth pages and state public
health guidance.
Thanks for listening to GreatDay Colorado's Mile High
Matters.
I'm DJ Mikey D.
If this episode was helpful,subscribe and share, and join us
(12:43):
on our next episode as we lookat affordable housing
initiatives across the region.
Thank you for being a Great DayColorado fan.
Be sure to check out our latestpoll about Colorado.
Also, make sure you sign up forour newsletter to receive the
latest podcast updates andcontest announcements to win
some cool giveaways.
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