[WIRE] New York City health officials sparked backlash with a series of public health signs posted around the city’s subway system encouraging intravenous drug users to be "empowered" — not by getting clean, but by taking steps to "use safely."NYC Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli shared a photo of one of the signs on Twitter, which read, "Don’t be ashamed you are using. Be empowered that you are using safely."
The sign included a number of "helpful" tips for those who wanted to "use safely."
Under the section labeled "What is fentanyl?" the description read, "Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that can be found in heroin, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, ketamine, and pressed pills."
A second section answered the question, "Why is it dangerous?" by saying, "Fentanyl increases the risk of overdose, especially among people who do not regularly use opioids."
The final section listed several steps that users could take in an effort to "empower" themselves to "use safely" and "prevent overdose."