LCROC participated in a critical workshop on Thursday, June 6, 2024.  Della Lisi Kerr, B.Sc., an expert from the Orange County Health Agency, helped us discover ways to build a safer and healthier community.  The workshop is part of LCROC’s commitment to provide resources for our members and solutions to the problems in our county.

Thank you to John Kristianson for sponsoring the event to help make it possible. The ongoing and continued support is much appreciated. Additionally, we appreciate your trust in our organization and investment in our founding mission.

Thank you to Four Sons in Huntington Beach, CA for providing great service and a great space for our workshop.

Background

“In Focus: Fentanyl - Addressing the Opioid Crisis in Orange County. This drug is 50 times stronger than heroin. It is being illegally made and found in a variety of pills, sold on social media sites and can cause poisoning, overdose and death. Learn prevention strategies and about the lifesaving overdose reversal drug, Naloxone.

Drug overdose (poisoning) is now the leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States, causing more deaths than motor vehicle crashes. Opioids – both prescription painkillers and heroin – are responsible for most of those deaths. The number of Californians affected by prescription and non-prescription opioid misuse and overdose is substantial, with rates varying significantly across counties, and even within counties. Orange County is no exception.

The ADAB (Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board) is responsible for advising the Orange County Alcohol and Drug Administrator and Board of Supervisors on substance use issues impacting the health and safety of Orange County residents and communities. It is comprised of 15 community members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, who advocate for and provide prevention, treatment and recovery services to those in need.” (OCHCA)

DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION: SOCIAL MEDIA Drug: Trafficking Threat

DEA Operation Chem Capture Precursor Chemical Supply Chain: "Precursor chemicals for the manufacture of fentanyl and methamphetamine, and other synthetic drugs – like xylazine and nitazenes– are made in China and shipped to Mexico and the United States"

“[L]esbian, gay, and bisexual adults are more likely than straight adults to use substances…” (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

“15% of high school students reported having ever used select illicit or injection drugs (i.e. cocaine, inhalants, heroin, methamphetamines, hallucinogens, or ecstasy). 14% of students reported misusing prescription opioids. Injection drug use places youth at direct risk for HIV, and drug use broadly places youth at risk of overdose. Youth opioid use is directly linked to sexual risk behaviors.” (Centers for Disease Control)

If you or someone in your life needs support, contact your doctor and get further information.

DEA One Pill Can Kill: "DEA created this campaign to encourage the use of social media to help raise public awareness of a significant nationwide surge in counterfeit pills that are mass-produced in labs, deceptively marketed as legitimate, and are killing Americans at an unprecedented rate."

Fentanyl is Forever: "a comprehensive initiative aimed at raising awareness about the critical issue of fentanyl misuse in Orange County."

LCROC Trusted Helplines and Resources: crisis, employment, food, health, peace of mind, and safety.

NIH: My Mental Health: Do I Need Help?: "If you don't know where to start, this infographic may help guide you."

OCHCA: "The Health Care Agency is a regional provider, charged with protecting and promoting individual, family and community health through coordination of public and private sector resources."

P.C.: OCHCA