The opioid crisis has taken a devastating toll on communities across the United States, and Southern California is no exception. To combat the rising threat of fentanyl-related overdoses, the Joint Regional Intelligence Center (JRIC), in partnership with the Overdose Response Strategy (ORS), has undertaken a comprehensive landscape analysis.
This analysis spans seven counties in Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura County.
The Goal?
To identify and provide access to free services for those in need of fentanyl test strips, naloxone, and prevention/treatment services.
The Need for Action
The opioid crisis has grown increasingly dire in recent years, with fentanyl emerging as a particularly lethal component of this epidemic. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, making it a significant contributor to opioid-related overdoses. To address this crisis, it is imperative to provide resources and support to those at risk and their communities.
The Landscape Analysis
The landscape analysis is a pioneering effort to map out the availability of free services related to fentanyl across Southern California. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between individuals in need and the essential resources required for their safety and recovery. The seven counties covered by the analysis represent a substantial portion of the region’s population, making this endeavor all the more significant.
Accessible Resources
Recognizing the diversity of the Southern California population, the JRIC and ORS have gone the extra mile by providing resources in both English and Spanish. This inclusivity ensures that language barriers do not hinder individuals from accessing life-saving assistance. Whether you speak English or Spanish, these resources are readily available to you, reaffirming the commitment to leaving no one behind in the battle against opioid addiction. By clicking on a specific county and version, users can access a one-page list of free fentanyl resources.
The opioid crisis is an ever-evolving challenge. These resources will be updated every six months. This commitment to ongoing improvement ensures that individuals and organizations can rely on accurate and up-to-date information when assisting those in need.
Sharing the Lifeline
By identifying and sharing these resources, we empower individuals and organizations to take action, save lives, and build healthier communities. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against fentanyl poisonings.
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!
In this “The Fentanyl Solution” podcast episode, Senator Nguyen shares her personal motivation for fighting the fentanyl crisis, emphasizing the need to protect children and young adults from its dangers.
The discussion then pivots to the formidable hurdles faced in Sacramento when endeavoring to pass legislation aimed at addressing the fentanyl crisis. Within this
discourse, they delve into distinguishing between overdose cases and instances where children and teenagers unknowingly ingest fentanyl.
Furthermore, the imperative need for comprehensive legislation is explored, as well as the severe repercussions for those engaged in fentanyl trafficking.
Additionally, Senator Nguyen underscores the significance of observing Fentanyl Awareness Days on both federal and state levels. She fervently encourages parents, grandparents, and all concerned individuals to initiate conversations about fentanyl and its inherent dangers, underscoring the pivotal role of spreading awareness in safeguarding communities.
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!
Craft Boxing Club and FentanylSolution.org unite for a pivotal fundraiser on October 7th, addressing the escalating fentanyl crisis in America.
CALABASAS, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES, September 20, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ — The alarming rise of fentanyl poisonings has spurred Craft Boxing Club, owned by George Foreman III, into action. In collaboration with FentanylSolution.org, a dedicated non-profit organization focused on combating the dangers of fentanyl poisonings, the boxing gym will host
Contact
Daniel de Castellane
de Castellane Creative
+1 9494094700
email us here
“Fight Fentanyl” on October 7th. This event is dedicated to raising both awareness and crucial funds to address this urgent health crisis.
FentanylSolution.org’s mission revolves around education, awareness, and advocacy. They aim to protect individuals from the risks of fentanyl-contaminated substances and provide resources and support for those affected by the epidemic.
Fentanyl, a substance alarmingly potent, has become the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45. In 2022, California witnessed its highest number of fatalities due to fentanyl, with 6,095 lives tragically cut short. This equates to 117 Californians every week. On a national scale, the statistics are equally harrowing, with 250 deaths reported daily.
The threat of fentanyl isn’t isolated to those struggling with addiction. A significant number of counterfeit pills on the market are tainted with fentanyl, endangering unsuspecting individuals, including teenagers.
Janice M. Celeste, the President & CEO of FentanylSolution.org, remarked, “The challenge we face is monumental, but with community engagement and support, we can turn the tide. This event symbolizes our collective effort to combat this crisis.”
The “Fight Fentanyl” event at Craft Boxing Club promises to be more than just an awareness campaign. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workout classes, savory food, and gain essential knowledge about the perils of fentanyl.
As FentanylSolution.org and Craft Boxing Club join forces to combat the fentanyl crisis, they urge the community to be a part of this vital cause. Your contribution can make a significant difference in the fight against this epidemic, helping to fund educational initiatives, advocacy efforts, and community outreach programs. – Donate Now
Event Details:
– Date: Saturday, October 7
– Time: 9 am – 1 pm
– Venue: Craft Boxing Club, 26662 Agoura Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
– RSVP and Additional Information: Tinyurl.com/FightFentanyl
– Media Contact: Daniel de Castellane, 949 413 9131, daniel@decastellanecreative.com
Daniel de Castellane
de Castellane Creative
+1 9494094700
email us here
To begin October Drug Awareness Month, FentanylSolution.org will post a dedication video to the loved ones lost to
fentanyl poisoning, our ‘Forever Angels’ on all social media platforms. We encourage anyone who would like an angel included in this video to submit their dedication to the form below.
Submissions must be received no later than 5:00pm September 22, 2023 to be guaranteed inclusion in the video. We will do our best to process late submissions,
but any submission after the deadline may not be able to be included in the video. We will also play the video at our Fight Fentanyl event on October 7, 2023. You do not have to be in attendance at the Fight Fentanyl event to submit for the Forever Angels Dedication–although
we encourage as many of you as we can to attend. For those interested in having their Forever Angel on a banner at our fall events in addition to the video, you can make a donation in their honor and specify your desire to have them included on the banner. This banner will be present at all official Fentanyl Solution events through 2023.
Banner Dedication
Please click the link below and choose Tribute Dedication. You can put the name of your Forever Angel write “Banner Dedication”.
Questions?
Please reach out to shane@fentanylsolution.org
In this episode, President of the Alexander Neville Foundation (ANF) and mother of Alexander, Amy Neville speaks about the tragic death of her son due to fentanyl poisoning in an oxycodone pill. Neville talked about how her son was groomed by a dealer on social media
“Snapchat is the largest open-air drug market and what it does is it takes a very dark thing that used to happen in dark scary places and bringing it to light. There is a drug dealer in our kids pocket on their phone 24/7,” Neville said.
Snapchat who pretended to be his friend and sold him drugs. Both Janice and Amy urged kids to not believe
“They [Drug Dealers] tell them [kids] how cool they are, how fun they are, how smart they are, and how they seem to have a lot of clout with friends,” Neville said.
these drugs dealers are their friend and instead stay away from Snapchat because many dealers take advantage of the fact that
messages disappear after 24 hours. Amy Neville asks listeners to discuss this topic which is causing so many tragedies throughout the country and support the cause of stopping the Fentanyl Crisis.
“I went to his room to wake him up, and he [Alexander] was gone,” Neville said.
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!
The World Affairs Council of Orange County presents:
Unraveling the Deadly Grip of Fentanyl on America & The World
featuring:
State Senator Tom Umberg
California is facing an unprecedented drug crisis both in scale and nature, requiring timely legislative responses. Fentanyl, a type of synthetic opioid, is responsible for over two-thirds of drug-related deaths, which spiked last year to 21,000 in California alone. The crisis is especially prevalent in Orange County, with deaths by fentanyl overdose reported to have gone up by 177%, and more potent analogs of fentanyl continued to be found. Moreover, fentanyl is often unknowingly consumed by individuals who believe they are taking other drugs, meaning that the fatal risk of a fentanyl overdose is not taken into consideration by those accidentally taking them, resulting in preventable deaths. Fentanyl precursors are largely sourced from abroad, in places like China and India, which are then shipped to Mexico, where most production takes place. Collaboration with these countries to crack down on fentanyl’s production and movement is integral if wish to halt the fentanyl epidemic in the United States.
To tackle this urgent crisis, Senator Tom Umberg proposes several legislative measures: Senate Bill 60, aimed at preventing drug sales on social media, a main outlet for illicit drugs for the youth; Senate Bill 250, expanding the 9-1-1 Good Samaritan Law and providing fentanyl immunity, encouraging people to report their dealers; Senate Concurrent Resolution 39, establishing National Fentanyl Awareness Day; and Senate Bill 44, also known as Alexandra’s Law, which aims to hold fentanyl sellers accountable for homicide and prevent fentanyl-related deaths through warnings.
An In-Person Dinner Event
Date & Time:
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
5:30 PM: Reception
6:30 PM: Dinner & Main Program
Location:
To be announced at a later date
Tickets:
To be announced at a later date
Thank you to our community partner, ClearSaves!
ClearSaves is an altruistic nonprofit endeavor fervently committed to engendering positive change within society by championing harm reduction. Through its innovative modus operandi, ClearSaves aspires to furnish the populace with vital resources that facilitate the safeguarding of human lives from the perilous peripheries of the opioid crisis. Check out the ClearSaves table at our event for resources and information on how you can help.
Thank you to our community partner, FentanylSolution.org!
FentanylSolution.org’s mission is to deliver comprehensive education, powerful advocacy, and unwavering community support to eradicate fentanyl deaths in the United States. Let us know how we can partner with you or your organization to make a difference. Check out the Fentanyl Solution booth at our event for more information and resources on the fentanyl crisis!
Speaker Bio: Thomas J. Umberg
State Senator Thomas J. Umberg is the Chair of the Senate’s Judiciary Committee. He is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, former federal criminal prosecutor, four-term state legislator, small business owner, and was the Deputy Drug Czar for President Clinton.
Senator Umberg began his military service at the Korean DMZ and was deployed overseas for three tours – totaling over five years. In addition to his overseas deployments, Colonel Umberg was assigned as a paratrooper with the Army Special Operations Command and the XVIII Airborne Corps.
As a federal and military prosecutor, Senator Umberg prosecuted numerous white collar, civil rights, murder, and sexual assault crimes. He successfully tried over 100 cases to verdict or judgment.
Senator Umberg served as Deputy Drug Czar for President Bill Clinton where he was responsible for foreign drug interdiction, counter-drug intelligence, and international drug policy. Umberg has a deep understanding of the strategies and resources we need to stop the current opioid epidemic and to put an end to senseless gun violence in our communities.
Senator Umberg also served three terms in the State Assembly, representing central Orange County. During this time, he worked across party lines, authored 76 laws, and brought more than $563 million in funds to Orange County.
Senator Umberg founded and built a successful veteran-owned small business in Orange County, recognized as one of California’s preeminent boutique law firms by Best Lawyers and The Daily Journal. Senator Umberg knows how to run a business and is a strong advocate for local business owners helping them to cut red tape and streamline unnecessary regulation.
Senator Umberg and his wife, Brigadier General (retired) Robin Umberg, have three children and seven grandchildren.
Education:
University of California, Los Angeles – Bachelor of Arts
University of California, College of Law, San Francisco – Juris Doctor
US Army War College — Master of Strategic Studies
Committees:
Chair of Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
Senate Housing Committee
Senate Transportation Committee
Joint Committee on Rules
Speaker Bio: Judge (ret.) James Gray
Jim Gray retired after serving as a trial court judge for 25 years here in Orange County. After graduating from UCLA he was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Costa Rica, and after graduating from USC Law School
served as a criminal defense attorney in the US Navy JAG Corps. Thereafter he was a federal prosecutor in Los Angeles. While on the Court he founded Peer Court, which now takes real juvenile delinquency cases to 14 Orange County high schools, where they empanel a jury of high school students who ask questions to the subject, who has already acknowledged involvement in the offenses. Then that jury recommends a sentence to a real judge and, if the subject successfully completes the sentence, the underlying charges are dismissed, and the subject does not have a record. Judge Gray is committed to the WACOC, and is one of its prior chairs.
Sparky Alliance – Igniting Awareness/Inspiring Change is hosting their 3rd Annual ‘Eric Kemp Memorial Gold Tournament’ on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at the Cross Creek Golf Club 43860 Glen Meadows Road, Temecula, CA 92590. Shotgun start is at 8:30am. Contact Jeff Kemp to register by August 13th at (951) 818-6678. Details will be emailed out by August 20th to all registrants. Registration fee is $125 per person. Pay fee via Venmo @therealjeffkemp.
The registration fee includes:
– 18 holes, cart fees, and range balls
– EJK Gift
– Taco Bar Lunch
– 1 Raffle Ticket
2 man scramble closest to the pin longest drive.
Hole-in-one wins a free car sponsored by Pedder Auto Group!
This event is in partnership with DrugInducedHomicide.org. All proceeds will be allocated towards funding the efforts aimed at passing Alexandra’s Law.
Meet our Board Members!OFFICERS
Janice M. Celeste
President & CEO
Janice M. Celeste has focused her professional experience on startups and communications. She supported parents dealing with substance addiction to ensure their children’s successful development while at the Philadelphia Child Guidance Center.
Sen. Pat Bates
Chairperson
Patricia Bates retired from the 36th Senate District, which encompasses Orange County (O.C.) and parts of San Diego counties. She was one of the original authors of early fentanyl legislation.
Tritia Foster
Treasurer
Tritia Foster is a partner at Davis Farr, LLP, a CPA firm, where she specializes in working with non-profit organizations. She has a personal interest in ending the illicit fentanyl epidemic.
Chelsie Ilar
Secretary
Chelsie Ilar is the Chief Marketing Officer at a prominent Orange County company dedicated to advancing substance abuse and mental health awareness.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tina Burke
Mother & Activist
Tina Burke is an Orange County mother and activist. Her 21-year-old son was poisoned with a fentanyl-laced counterfeit pill. She works diligently to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit pills to help others avoid similar tragedies.
Annette M. Malinowski
Newport Beach Chamber Member Service Director
Annette M. Malinowski has extensive experience in entrepreneurship, sales and community leadership. She also lost her daughter to fentanyl poisoning and works to seek justice by spreading awareness.
Scott Baugh
Attorney & Politician
Scott Baugh served as the CA Assembly Republican Leader, Assemblyman, and Chairing the Orange County Republican Party. He founded organizations like the O.C. Marathon foundation and owns Scott Baugh & Associates
Mayor Farrah N. Khan
Mayor of Irvine
Mayor Farrah became the 23rd Mayor of Irvine in November 2020, securing the highest-ever mayoral votes. She shattered barriers as the first woman of color and Muslim woman to lead a major US city. Re-elected
in 2022. Khan, who started in biotech, focuses on innovation, safety, climate action, and community wellness. Notably, she led COVID-19 efforts, diversity initiatives, and urban development during her tenure. Khan’s dedication is evident in her roles in education and municipal boards. She champions Irvine’s progress on a broader stage through affiliations with major city associations.
Court Crowther
Ret. Assistant Dean & Chief of Staff UC Irvine
Court Crowther, a former Peace Corps Volunteer and experimental psychologist, retired after 21 years as a higher education administrator at UC Irvine. He enhanced graduate diversity, managed
federal grants, and champions marginalized communities through FentanylSolution.org board membership.
Gabriel Dima-Smith
Public Affairs Strategist
Orange County Power Authority
Gabriel Dima-Smith, a seasoned public affairs strategist at Orange County Power Authority, utilizes a decade’s expertise in
steering government relations. With a Public Policy degree from California State University and pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration, he’s committed to preventing tragic fentanyl-related losses following the loss of his closest friend in 2021.
Matt Markley
IT/ Cybersecurity Leader/Mentor
Matt Markley, an IT and cybersecurity veteran of 25+ years, holds a master’s in Information Systems and advanced InfoSec certifications. Beyond his tech career, he pursued his initial passion—teaching.
In 2022, he tragically lost his beloved 18 year-old, Jax, to counterfeit pills, fueling his mission to combat opioid crises, dismantle stigmas, and found Justice for Jax, focusing on empathy and analytics in this battle.
HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS
Amy Neville
Mother & Activist
Amy Neville is a California mother whose 14-year-old son died of fentanyl poisoning from a counterfeit pill that was purchased on Snapchat. She tirelessly gives talks and testifies by sharing their story.