In a recent government meeting, Contra Costa County officials recognized August 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day, highlighting the urgent need to address the escalating overdose crisis fueled by fentanyl. Supervisor Mariela Sanding, coordinator for the Contra Costa County Meds Coalition, presented a resolution aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of substance misuse and the impact of overdose on the community.

Sanding reported that over 107,000 lives were lost to overdose nationally in 2023, with a staggering 109% increase in overdose cases among individuals under 18 from 2019 to 2021. She emphasized that fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is often unknowingly consumed by individuals who believe they are taking legitimate prescription drugs. This alarming trend underscores the necessity for community education and compassion in discussions surrounding substance use disorders.

The Meds Coalition has distributed over 4,000 opioid overdose rescue kits and is committed to further outreach efforts. They invite the community to participate in an event on August 29 at the Concord Library, where attendees can memorialize overdose victims, learn about the risks of illicit drugs, and receive training on using naloxone to reverse overdoses.

During the meeting, supervisors shared personal stories of loss due to overdoses, reinforcing the pervasive impact of this crisis across all demographics. They discussed the importance of fentanyl testing strips, which are now widely available at no cost through local health services. These strips allow individuals to test drugs for the presence of fentanyl, potentially preventing accidental overdoses.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue expanding access to naloxone and other harm reduction strategies, as officials acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by substance use disorders in the community.