May 7 is National Fentanyl Awareness Day. This is a day to come together and educate our community about the dangers of fentanyl, raise awareness about the risks and how to recognize the signs of overdose, and take steps to prevent overdose deaths.
Fentanyl is involved in more deaths of Americans under age 50 than any other cause, including heart disease, cancer, homicide and suicide. In 2023, 390 people were lost due to a fentanyl-related death in Sacramento County alone. This is a public health crisis that puts us all at risk.
For the past several years, the Safer Sacramento Project, the Opioid Coalition and community-based providers have served to educate and raise awareness of this important topic.
In recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day, we want to provide resources so members of the community can get involved and learn more about the dangers of fentanyl:
- Support the launch of the new documentary blog series, The Ripple Effect, produced for Safer Sacramento, as part of their National Fentanyl Awareness Day outreach campaign. This new series integrates fact-based research and multimedia content to bring personal perspectives and expert testimony to the forefront.
The new series sheds light on the harrowing reality of the fentanyl crisis in the U.S. and its impact on Sacramento County in particular. Each installment delves deep into the multifaceted aspects of this epidemic, exploring its origins, impact on families and the community, and the relentless efforts to combat the crisis. Please follow along -- Ripple Effect Part 1: Illicit Fentanyl’s Origin Story.
- Visit the Safer Sacramento and the Sacramento County Opioid Coalition websites and follow us on social media Facebook and Instagram
- You can request NARCAN® through the Department of Health Services, Substance Use Prevention and Treatment (SUPT) by completing the Qualtrics Request Form.
Community agencies can also obtain NARCAN® directly through the Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS) Narcan Distribution Project (NDP) if ordering 12 or more units. Each unit comes with 2 doses.
- Spread the word. Take action. Be part of the solution. Make sure you are prepared, by watching this NARCAN® training video.
Sacramento County is committed to investing in and prioritizing programs and services that serve and support those struggling with substance use, misuse or addiction. If you or a loved one needs help, don't hesitate to seek help. For more information and resources, call 916-874-9754 for a substance use assessment or visit the Department of Health Services, Substance Use Prevention and Treatment (SUPT) website.
In the face of this devastating crisis, unity, raising awareness and taking action are how each of us can make a difference. Together, we can fight back against fentanyl, protect lives, and build a healthier, safer future for Sacramento. Talk to your children and loved ones about their mental health and the risks of encountering illicitly manufactured fentanyl.