According to the CDC, there were 107,622 overdose deaths nationwide in 2021, the highest annual death toll on record from drug overdose fatalities, and a 15% increase from the year prior. Fentanyl poisoning is also now the leading cause of death for adults aged 18-45 in the United States, surpassing suicide, gun violence and car accidents.
To combat this growing epidemic, Sacramento County along with community partners created the
Sacramento County Opioid Coalition, a collaboration of healthcare professionals, community-based organizations, law enforcement, county agencies, and concerned citizens determined to turn the tide of the local opioid epidemic. The coalition is committed to saving lives by preventing overdoses through expanding treatment access, promoting safe disposal, encouraging early intervention, treatment and recovery, enhancing opioid surveillance, and expanding public education.
Fentanyl poisoning impacts Sacramento residents of all socioeconomic groups and ages. In Sacramento County, 116 people lost their lives in 2021 due to fentanyl poisoning and 50 have died in the first 7 months of 2022. Fentanyl has been found in virtually all street drugs today including Cocaine, Meth, Heroin, Xanax, Oxy, Percocet, Adderall, Marijuana and vape pens. Illicit fentanyl is highly addictive and can cause sudden death.
Education and awareness is the best tool we have to save a person from overdosing. Naloxone/Narcan is a medicine that can be given to a person to reverse an opioid or fentanyl overdose. It can be obtained through local pharmacies, the County Health Department or the DHCS Naloxone Distribution Project.
Visit the Narcan Distribution Project to apply.
Sacramento County is committed to continued investment and prioritization of programs and services that meet the needs of those struggling with addiction. This includes expanding Substance Use Disorder (SUD) residential treatment by 50 beds with an additional $11.2 million of County investment to further increase SUD residential treatment capacity. Additionally, the County expanded Medication-Assisted Treatment programs to include new medication and service array, helping those with substance use disorders to maintain their recovery through the use of medications that help prevent relapse.
Recognize International Overdose Awareness Day - Aug 31
- International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held every Aug. 31 and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of drug-related death.
- It is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma, those who have died and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. We are asking the public to wear purple to show support.
- The Sac County Opioid Coalition is launching an Opioid Awareness Project and creating Memorial Posters of the precious lives lost in our County. If you are interested in sharing your loved one’s story, please email Marlee Turner at mturner@ssvms.org.
Opioid Awareness Summit - Oct 11
This event is open to all educators and health professionals and will take place on Oct. 11, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. This all-day event will take place at California State University, Sacramento. The event is free and food and drinks will be provided throughout the day. Expect to hear speakers ranging in topics from public health to law enforcement and the justice system. Free Narcan will be available. Learn more about this event and register today.
