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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.

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A short walk down Colfax turned into a crash course on how hope gets marketed where margins are thinnest. We dig into why lottery billboards blanket low income and predominantly Black neighborhoods and rarely appear in wealthier suburbs, and we connect the dots between retailer commissions, billboard economics, and the retail landscapes shaped by redlining and zoning. What looks like neutral market logic—put ads where sales are strong—sits on top of a map drawn by discriminatory policy, creating a cycle where data, dollars, and dreams converge.

We unpack how targeted messaging leverages financial stress, promising escape and instant transformation rather than responsible play. Studies show media aimed at Black and Latino audiences carries heavier lottery ad loads, often alongside payday lending and fast food spots, normalizing high-risk consumption where budgets are tight. The result: lower income players spend a larger share of income on long-shot odds, turning state lotteries into a regressive tax that extracts wealth from the people least able to lose it.

Rather than pointing fingers at individuals, we call out systems that produce racially disparate outcomes without explicit intent. Then we move to solutions: restrict outdoor ads in vulnerable neighborhoods, mandate bold odds disclosures, cap retailer commissions to reduce aggressive upselling, direct lottery revenues transparently into debt relief, savings programs, and small business grants, and require public reporting of ad spend by zip code. If we change the incentives and shine light on the flows of money and messaging, we can shift from selling hope to building opportunity.

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Hunger shouldn’t be part of any family’s routine, and yet tighter SNAP benefits are pushing more neighbors to the edge. We take you inside the fastest, most reliable ways to get food help in the Denver metro, from free school meals available to every student to the regional network that moves groceries where they’re needed most. Think of this as a field guide: what to do first, who to call, and how to navigate pantries with less stress and more dignity.

We start with the three anchors of immediate support: school meals that require no paperwork, the 24/7, 211 helpline run by Mile High United Way, and the Food Bank of the Rockies system that powers local pantries and mobile markets. You’ll learn exactly what to expect on your first pantry visit, which questions unlock better service—like asking about delivery, drive-up options, or culturally preferred foods—and how to prepare even if you don’t have ID. We also map out broader supports, including SNAP enrollment through Denver Human Services, WIC for women, infants, and children, Meals on Wheels for seniors, and the Double Up Food Bucks program that doubles SNAP dollars for fresh produce at farmers markets.

Community action takes center stage with JeffCo Feeds JeffCo and a district-wide food drive on November 8th, 2025, routing donations directly to school-based pantries so families can access help close to home. Along the way, we highlight overlooked tools like the Denver Public Library’s resource pages and faith-based organizations such as Catholic Charities, Jewish Family Service, and the Salvation Army. If you or someone you love needs food today, you can start with one number—211—and a few smart questions to find the nearest support fast.

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Major Food Banks (drive supply and referral hubs)
1. Food Bank of the Rockies (serves Denver metro and Northern Colorado)
- Services: Food distribution to partner pantries, mobile markets, SNAP outreach and assistance, home delivery for homebound seniors/disabled (via partner programs).
- Phone: 303-371-9250
- Website: foodbankrockies.org
- Notes: Central hub—use website to find local

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