Said Lori Miller, Sacramento County Department of Health Services Division Manager, "It's really going to take all of us coming together, embracing solutions and strengthening our response to make a difference and save lives." Photo courtesy of CDPH

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Fentanyl poisoning has now become the leading cause of death among adults ages 18 to 45, surpassing suicide, gun violence and car accidents, according to Sacramento County officials.

In response to this critical public health and public safety crisis, the Sacramento County Department of Health Services, in collaboration with the Sacramento County Opioid Coalition, Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society, California State University, Sac Metro Fire and local law enforcement have joined forces to present the 2024 Fentanyl Awareness and Action Summit.

The event, scheduled for Aug. 15 after press time, aims to bring community members together to analyze data trends, discuss prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement efforts, hear from those with lived experiences, provide resources and aid in the solutions for a safer community. 

“To battle this crisis, we need to get the message out about both prevention and treatment. Sacramento County is dedicated to promoting widespread access to Naloxone and our amazing providers stand ready to assist individuals on their road to recovery from the devastating impacts of opioid use disorders,” said Dr. Ryan Quist, Sacramento County Director of Behavioral Health

Said Lori Miller, Sacramento County Department of Health Services Division Manager, “It’s really going to take all of us coming together, embracing solutions and strengthening our response to make a difference and save lives.”

Below, county leaders share ways that we can help raise awareness of this crucial issue.

Educate and Advocate: Learn and spread the word about campaigns such as Safer Sacramento and 1 Pill can Kill.

Wear Purple on Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day (Aug. 21). Take this time to educate the public on the dangers of fentanyl, fake pills and other illicit drugs, while also highlighting the difference between fentanyl poisoning and overdose.

Wear Purple on International Overdose Awareness Day (Aug. 31). This globally-observed day aims to reduce the stigma associated with drug-related deaths, remember those lost and acknowledge the grief endured by their loved ones.

Attend a county event (Aug. 21 through Aug. 30): The Department of Health Services, Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Unit will host a resource table with informational handouts for the community in the lobby of 7001-A East Parkway in Sacramento from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free Narcan will also be available at the event.

Join the Opioid Coalition. Meetings are quarterly from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Visit the Sacramento County Opioid Coalition website at https://www.sacopioidcoalition.org for the meeting schedule and more information.

Share Your Loved One's Story through an Opioid Awareness Project featuring Gone Too Soon Memorial Posters, commemorating the precious lives lost in Sacramento and surrounding counties. Those interested should contact Sacramento County Behavioral Health Division Manager, Lori Miller, at [email protected].

Have Naloxone/Narcan available. For ways to obtain Narcan and/or training, call 916-875-2050 or visit SaferSacramento.com.

For more information and resources, call 916-874-9754 for a substance use assessment or visit Sacramento County’s Department of Health Services website at https://dhs.saccounty.gov/PUB/Pages/PUB-Home.aspx.