Honored with Excellence in Community Outreach Award by Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce
In a remarkable recognition of our tireless efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis, we have been honored with the prestigious Excellence in Community Outreach Award by the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce. The accolade was presented at the Excellence in Healthcare Gala on January 11, 2024, in acknowledgment of our outstanding contributions to addressing the fentanyl epidemic.
Shane K. M. Wood, the dedicated and newly appointed Executive Director of FentanylSolution.org, graciously accepted the award on behalf of Janice M. Celeste, the President & former CEO of the organization. Janice and Shane’s leadership have been instrumental in the organization’s success in raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and implementing life-saving initiatives.
Fentanyl has now taken the forefront as the leading cause of death for individuals aged 18-45 nationwide and stands as the primary contributor to teenage fatalities in Orange County. In our steadfast commitment to community safety, we have actively advocated for the imperative inclusion of naloxone in every individual’s first aid kit. Echoing this commitment, we contributed a first aid kit, complete with naloxone, to the silent auction at the Gala. Reflecting our organization’s dual emphasis on both post-safety measures and preventive actions, the kit also includes fentanyl test strips.
Notable support for the gala came from none other than Mayor Farrah Khan, a dedicated board member of our organization and the esteemed Mayor of Irvine. Mayor Khan’s presence underscored the community-wide importance of healthcare is it comes in many forms and highlighted the organization’s collaborative efforts with local leadership.
Our achievements are a testament to our impactful work:
Tabled Events:
We have actively engaged with the community, participating in events with a combined attendance exceeding 15,000.
Life Saving Lunch-N-Learns:
We have organized over 350 Life Saving Lunch-N-Learn sessions, providing crucial information to diverse audiences.
Online Awareness Content:
We have successfully created and disseminated online content, surpassing 50,000 views to date, to educate and raise awareness about the fentanyl crisis.
Naloxone Distribution:
With a commitment to saving lives, the organization has distributed over 15,000 doses of naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication.
Fentanyl Test Strips Distribution:
We have distributed nearly 20,000 Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS) to empower individuals to detect the presence of fentanyl in substances.
County-Recognized Fixed Distribution Site:
We achieved recognition as a county-approved Fixed Distribution Site, enhancing our capacity to reach and serve the community.
Treatment Center Fentanyl and Xylazine Test Pilot Program:
This initiative provides treatment centers with Fentanyl and Xylazine test strips from our organization. The program seeks to enable targeted efforts to address and reduce the impact of these substances.
The Excellence in Community Outreach award from the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce is a milestone recognition of our impactful work in addressing one of the most pressing public health issues of our time.
Join us in our crucial mission to save lives from the fentanyl crisis and drive impactful awareness. Your donation today will make a significant difference!