In a recent government meeting, the Board of Supervisors discussed the recognition of August 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day, a resolution presented by Supervisor Berger. Mariela Sanding, coordinator for the Contra Costa County Meds Coalition, emphasized the urgency of addressing the overdose crisis, which has claimed over 107,000 lives nationally in 2023 alone. Alarmingly, there has been a 109% increase in overdose cases among individuals under 18 from 2019 to 2021, largely attributed to the prevalence of counterfeit drugs laced with fentanyl.

Sanding highlighted the critical role of community education in combating prescription drug misuse and overdose. The Meds Coalition has distributed over 4,000 opioid overdose rescue kits and is committed to raising awareness about the dangers of illicit drugs, particularly fentanyl. She urged community members to engage in conversations about overdose with compassion and empathy, especially with youth, to mitigate the risks associated with counterfeit drugs.

The meeting also touched on personal experiences with overdose, with Supervisor Burgess sharing a poignant story about a friend who unknowingly consumed fentanyl-laced drugs. This underscores the growing concern that many individuals are unaware of the presence of fentanyl in substances they may believe to be safe.

The Meds Coalition is organizing an event on August 29 at the Concord Library to memorialize those lost to overdose, educate the public about the risks of illicit drugs, and provide training on using naloxone to save lives. The Board of Supervisors expressed their support for these initiatives, recognizing the need for continued efforts to address this pressing public health crisis.