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Junction City health officials are warning residents about a dangerous new drug, “purple fentanyl,” recently found in the area. According to the Konza Prairie Community Health Center, this synthetic opioid is significantly stronger than regular fentanyl and is often mixed with other chemicals, making overdoses harder to treat. Narcan—the emergency medication used to reverse opioid overdoses—may not always work, and multiple doses or hospital care may be required.

Community members are urged to carry free Narcan, available at Konza’s Junction City and Manhattan clinics, and to test substances with free fentanyl test strips from Narcan vending machines. Konza also offers outpatient addiction treatment.

Medical Director Dr. Dustie Samuels stresses seeking help early, while CKF Addiction Treatment partners with Konza to provide peer mentors and Narcan access, reinforcing that “every life is worth saving.”