Overdose Response Center

Regional Awareness Message

Message Number: 2026-07

Contact: ORC@delaware.gov
Approved: April 13, 2026
Approved By: Brent Waninger, ORC Director

Purpose

The Overdose Response Center (ORC) is issuing this message for informational and situational awareness purposes only. At this time, no additional action is being requested.

Regional Update

A neighboring jurisdiction in the region, Cecil County, Maryland, has recently reported confirmed instances of carfentanil in its illicit drug supply.

Based on data reviewed and maintained by the ORC:

• Detection of carfentanil in Delaware has remained low.
• Carfentanil has been increasingly detected within the surrounding region.
• The ORC currently has no reports related to this incident in Delaware.

About Carfentanil

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is estimated to be 10 to 100 times more potent than fentanyl.

The ORC advises that standard (universal) precautions are effective and should be followed in any overdose situation, including those involving suspected carfentanil exposure.

The ORC recommends:

• Continuing to use universal precautions.
• Continuing observation and reporting of relevant street or field intelligence.
• Reporting information to the ORC Duty Officer at (302) 657-9073, when appropriate.

What to Do During a Suspected Carfentanil Overdose

1. Use universal precautions and avoid direct contact with any unknown substance while maintaining scene safety.
2. Call 9-1-1 and remain with the individual until emergency medical services arrive.
3. Administer naloxone (Narcan) following the same response procedures used for any suspected opioid overdose.
4. Remember that naloxone’s purpose is to restore normal breathing. Repeated or additional doses may be necessary to reverse an overdose.
5. If the person is breathing but unconscious, place them in the recovery position and continue monitoring their breathing until help arrives.