The United States in the midst of a Fentanyl overdose epidemic. Over 100,000 Americans died as a result of this drug in 2021, driven by traffickers mass-producing fake or counterfeit pills. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), fentanyl is involved in more deaths of Americans under 50 than any other cause of death, including heart disease, cancer, and all other accidents.Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid administered to reduce severe pain. It is 50% more concentrated than morphine, therefore when abused can cause brain and other health effects, including death. Four out of every ten pills with fentanyl tested by the federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) contain a potentially lethal dose and counterfeit pills have also been found to contain fentanyl-related substances and methamphetamine.
Fentanyl Resources
General
- National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse
For Families & Educators
- Children’s Hospital Orange County, What Parents Should Know About Fentanyl: https://health.choc.org/what-parents-should-know-about-fentanyl/
- AIDS Project Los Angeles Fentanyl Information Page: https://aplahealth.org/fentanyl/
- MediCal 24/7 Access Line: If you or a loved one has a substance use problem, and qualify for Medi-Cal, call (800) 723-8641 to get screened and linked to treatment
- Beaverton (Oregon) School District has developed free lesson plans for middle school and high school students: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/communications-community-involvement/fake-and-fatal
For Medical Providers
- California Department of Public Health, Fentanyl Testing to Prevent Overdose: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DOA/CDPH%20Document%20Library/Fact_Sheet_Fentanyl_Testing_Approved_ADA.pdf
Orange County
- Orange County Administrative Services Organization (ASO): A primary portal of entry for Orange County residents seeking behavioral health services available 24/7 at (800) 723-8641.
- OC Links: Information and referrals to OC Behavioral Health Services. M-F, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m at (855)-625-4657.
- OC Warmline: Provides telephone-based, non-crisis support for anyone struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues M-F, 9 a.m. to 3 a.m.; S-S, 10 a.m. to 3 a.m
- Online chat available at https://www.namioc.org/oc-warmline.
- Or you can call (877) 910-9276.
- Veterans Crisis Line Open 24/7 24/7/365 at 800-273-8255, press 1.
Los Angeles County
- County of Los Angeles Public Health
- Fentanyl Fact Sheet: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/sapc/managepainsafely/docs/Fentanyl%20FINAL.pdf?pdf=fentanyl
- Managing Pain Safely Opioid Resources: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/sapc/managepainsafely/
- Substance Abuse Service Helpline 24/7 (844) 804-7500
- Substance Abuse Prevention and Control - Harm Reduction: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/sapc/public/overdose-prevention.htm
- Los Angeles LGBTQ Center Addiction Recovery Resources including online anonymous chat support M-F 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., individual therapy, and group support.