Recently, we had the privilege of attending and/or hosting resource tables at several significant events, spreading awareness, providing valuable information to the public and distributing naloxone and fentanyl test strips. Here’s a look at our involvement and its impact on the community.
Newport Beach Police Appreciation Luncheon
On April 26, 2024, we participated in the 51st Annual Newport Beach Police Appreciation Luncheon, hosted by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce at the PENDRY.
Featuring special guest emcee Keith Morrison from NBC’s Dateline, the event provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with law enforcement and the community, demonstrating our support for those who risk their lives to keep our community safe.
Blossoming Together Event
On April 13, 2024, we were part of the Orange County Blossoming Together event in Irvine. This vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and wellness, organized by the OC Health Care Agency’s Office of Wellness and Suicide Prevention in partnership with nonprofit organizations, aimed to support veterans, the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. By participating, we highlighted the intersection of mental health and substance abuse, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to wellbeing.
By hosting a resource table, we provided educational materials and support resources to attendees, raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of prevention. The community’s response was overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the impact of combining advocacy with popular community events.
2024 Supplier Outreach Event
On May 16, 2024, we hosted a resource table at the 2024 Supplier Outreach event in Fountain Valley. This event connected local businesses with government projects, offering a platform to showcase products and services. Our presence allowed us to engage with local business leaders and highlight the critical issue of fentanyl in our community. By fostering these connections, we aim to integrate our advocacy efforts into broader community and business initiatives, enhancing collective action against the fentanyl crisis.
National Fentanyl Awareness Day at Angel’s Game
We observed National Fentanyl Awareness Day on May 9, 2024, by organizing a special event that brought together families, organizations, and community members to cheer for the Angels baseball team.
This event held deep and special significance, as it was dedicated to honoring the memories of all victims and to the memory of Tyler Skaggs, an Angels pitcher who tragically died from fentanyl poisoning. Our event not only provided an opportunity for the community to unite in support of the Angels but also to reflect on the importance of education, prevention, and advocacy in the fight against fentanyl.
Mission Viejo Pride Event
On Saturday, June 8, 2024, we proudly hosted a resource table at the Mission Viejo Pride Event, held at the World Cup Soccer Field. Organized by Mission Viejo’s Diversity + Inclusion Task Force and Saddleback College’s Rainbow Collective, this free event aimed to show LGBTQI+ families that our community is safe, welcoming, and values diversity and inclusivity.
We provided valuable information on fentanyl awareness, prevention, naloxone, and fentanyl test strips, engaging attendees with educational materials and support resources. By connecting with the community, we continue to make a positive impact on public health and safety.
Our Impact and Dedication
At each of these events, our team worked diligently to provide essential resources, raise awareness, and foster community connections. Our efforts are driven by a commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by the fentanyl crisis. By participating in these diverse events, we are able to reach a wide audience, educate the public, and advocate for effective policies.
The impact of our work is evident in the increased awareness and engagement we have seen within the community. Families, businesses, and individuals are becoming more informed about the dangers of fentanyl and the steps they can take to protect themselves and their loved ones. Our resource tables serve as a vital touchpoint for those seeking information and support, reinforcing the importance of education and advocacy in combating the fentanyl crisis.
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!
Come join us for an unforgettable night at our upcoming event, STOMP! Fentanyl Fashion Show.
In collaboration with Todd Herschberg, the Founder of OCEAN, Orange County’s premier networking group, and Rogue Collective, we’re creating an evening that seamlessly blends fashion and philanthropy. This event isn’t just about style; it’s about making a real difference in the fight against fentanyl poisoning.
Additionally, don’t miss out on our silent auction, featuring artwork generously donated by various artists, along with an array of products and experiences. The auction will be set up in a predominant area at Rogue Collective so that our guests can look before and during the fashion show. It’s a perfect opportunity to support the cause while acquiring something special for yourself.
Be part of the experience and purchase tickets here!
Interested in sponsoring the event?
Click here to view the sponsorship deck and contact Alena Andrews at alena@fentanylsolution.org or Shane K.M. Wood at shane@fentanylsolution.org.
Looking to embrace the full experience?
Unable to attend the fashion show but still eager to support the cause?
Join us at the Stomp! VIP Launch Party for an evening of entertainment, networking, and raising awareness. Sponsored by Be Good Restaurant & Experience. Get ready to indulge in an exclusive celebration featuring thrilling performances by Freedom Aerial, Jennalyn, and Joe Sparrow. Sip on signature cocktails, mocktails, and non-alcoholic concoctions while mingling in our VIP lounge. Prepare to be dazzled by the flair bartending skills of TikTok sensation, Mikey D’Amato.
Secure your spot now and let’s stomp out fentanyl together by purchasing tickets here!
Have questions? Contact Christine at christine@fentanylsolution.org.
In a noteworthy initiative to address the pressing issue of the fentanyl crisis, the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce recently hosted Janice M. Celeste, the President and former CEO of our organization, as a keynote speaker at their renowned event, Wake Up! Newport. Her presentation focused on the severe impact of illicit fentanyl on the local community.
She delved into the alarming statistics, emphasizing the rising number of fentanyl-related incidents and the profound consequences it has on individuals and families. By addressing the grim reality of the crisis, Janice aimed to create awareness and inspire action within the Newport Beach community.
A crucial aspect of Janice’s presentation was the introduction of naloxone and its role in mitigating the consequences of a fentanyl overdose. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a medication that can rapidly reverse opioid overdoses.
Janice highlighted the importance of making naloxone readily available to the community and provided information on how individuals can obtain and administer this life-saving medication as our organization is a county recognized Naloxone Distribution Site. Please reach out to christine@fentanylsolution.org for free naloxone.
Janice M. Celeste passionately advocated for the inclusion of naloxone in first aid kits at home and in vehicles, emphasizing that being prepared can make a significant difference in saving lives. She informed the audience that her organization offers naloxone training to empower community members with the skills and knowledge needed to respond effectively in emergency situations
Beyond naloxone, we advocate for the efficacy of harm reduction tools in saving lives. We have collaborated with the CEO of a local Orange County fentanyl test strip manufacturing company called Wisebatch, Bryce Batcheller, to provide access to these essential tools.
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 the ongoing battle against the surging opioid crisis, initiatives aimed at educating and empowering communities have proven to be instrumental. Recently, our Development Director, Shane Wood, provided Naloxone training and discussed the crucial role of Fentanyl Test Strips with Mayor Farrah Khan and her staff in Irvine.
Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, stands as a life-saving medication capable of rapidly reversing the effects of opioid overdose. Wood’s delivery of Naloxone training served as an educational platform designed to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and tools to administer this critical medication effectively. The emphasis was on fostering a community of immediate responders who can potentially avert tragic outcomes
by intervening in emergency situations. The training carried a significant message concerning the dire need to address the increasing incidents of opioid-related overdoses within the city of Irvine. Equally pivotal in the fight against opioid-related deaths are Fentanyl
Test Strips. These strips act as a preventive measure, allowing individuals to test substances for the presence of fentanyl, an extremely potent and dangerous opioid responsible for a substantial number of overdose fatalities. Wood accentuated the significance of these strips as a harm reduction tool, stressing their ability to provide crucial information about the substances being consumed and potentially preventing fatal overdoses.
Furthermore, our existing Fentanyl Test Strips are sourced from WiseBatch, a local manufacturer specializing in these strips. Each packaged test strip is equipped with a QR code on its rear side, enabling individuals to anonymously report any positive results. This reporting mechanism serves to assist in identifying the locations with the highest prevalence of illicit fentanyl. The training carried a significant message
concerning the dire need to address the increasing incidents of opioid-related overdoses within the city of Irvine. The dialogue between Shane Wood and Mayor Farrah Khan marked a pivotal stride toward proactive and preventive measures
against opioid overdoses in Irvine. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to saving lives, increasing awareness, and implementing practical solutions to combat the opioid crisis. It stands as a testament to the power of community engagement and the collective aim of creating safer, informed, and better-prepared societies.
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 a recent broadcast hosted by OC Talk Radio’s Public Affairs Director, Dawn Kamber, a critical conversation unfolded at the heart of the University of California-Irvine’s Beall Applied Innovation Center. The interview featured our President & CEO, Janice M. Celeste, shedding light on the dire efforts in combating the illicit fentanyl crisis, which has significantly impacted Orange County’s youth.
During the interview, a distressing truth surfaced: fentanyl stands as the foremost killer of teenagers in Orange County. As a synthetic opioid, it possesses an alarming potency that exceeds that of morphine or heroin, making it a lethal threat to unsuspecting individuals. This potent substance has proliferated in street drugs, leading to a dramatic rise in overdoses and deaths, particularly among the younger demographic.
Janice M. Celeste elucidated on the multifaceted approach taken by our organization to address this escalating crisis. She articulated our mission, highlighting our dedication to mitigating the spread of fentanyl and staunchly advocating for prevention strategies.
Please watch and/or listen and share radio talk show video/audio below:
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!
Jason Cohen utilized his recent naloxone can training to save a life during an overdose crisis, spotlighting the crucial role of community preparedness.
“Our aim is to equip individuals with the knowledge and resources to act swiftly in situations like these, saving lives one naloxone kit at a time”— Janice M. Celeste, CEO & President of FentanylSolution.org
On the evening of Sunday, October 22, a harrowing cry for help led Netflix star Jason Cohen to a life-altering intervention in West Hollywood. Known for his role in the series ‘Dated and Related,’ Cohen found himself amidst a real-life crisis when alerted to an ongoing opioid overdose. Drawing upon the naloxone training he received at a recent Fight Fentanyl event by the FentanylSolution.Org team, Cohen acted swiftly, administering naloxone and effectively saving a life before the arrival of emergency personnel.
Just two weeks prior, on October 7, Cohen attended the FentanylSolution.Org event at Craft Boxing Club, aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid. The event, in collaboration with boxing legend George Foreman III and sponsored by New Spirit Recovery, educated attendees on the use of Naloxone, an opioid antagonist used to counter the effects of opioid overdose. Cohen was among the attendees who received a pouch of naloxone and a fentanyl test kit, tools that proved to be lifesaving in the critical moments that unfolded on that Sunday evening.
Upon the arrival of paramedics, Cohen’s timely intervention was credited with saving a life, highlighting the potential life-saving impact of community awareness and preparedness surrounding opioid overdoses and the use of naloxone.
Janice M. Celeste, President of FentanylSolution.Org, reflects on the organization’s mission in light of this incident. “Our aim is to equip individuals with the knowledge and resources to act swiftly in situations like these. Jason’s story is a vivid illustration of our mission in action, saving lives one naloxone an kit at a time. Moreover, it’s vital that individuals are aware of the necessity to test substances for fentanyl to prevent such life-threatening situations. With resources like WiseBatch, where people can obtain fentanyl test strips, we can take a proactive stance in battling this crisis,” Celeste noted.
Shane Wood, Director of Development at FentanylSolution.Org, underscores the gravity of the situation through data. “The fentanyl crisis is escalating. Recent statistics indicate that 6 out of 10 counterfeit pills are laced with fentanyl. The importance of naloxone training cannot be overstated. It’s about empowering individuals with the knowledge to act promptly during opioid emergencies, which, as seen in Jason’s case, can mean the difference between life and death,” Shane said.
This incident not only sheds light on the escalating opioid crisis but also emphasizes the crucial role of organizations like FentanylSolution.Org in fostering community preparedness and education on opioid overdose interventions. Jason Cohen’s actions serve as an inspiring example of how knowledge and the right resources can go a long way in making a tangible difference in the battle against the opioid epidemic.
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!
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 Craft Boxing Club, initially a sanctuary for fitness enthusiasts, has recently undergone a remarkable transformation. It has evolved into a significant focal point in the battle against the fentanyl crisis, an insidious synthetic opioid that surpasses heroin in potency by 50 times.
Spearheaded by the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, FentanylSolution.org, and supported by George Foreman III, the venue brought together a coalition of celebrities, athletes, and community leaders with a shared commitment to combating this lethal epidemic.
The Current Challenge
At the forefront of this event, George Foreman III, the owner of the Craft Boxing Club and the son of the legendary boxer, George Foreman, set the tone
for the gathering. He delivered a crucial message: “Fentanyl is everyone’s problem, affecting people of all
ages.” He seamlessly integrated essential education about the drug into his signature boxing class.
The Stealthy Nature of Fentanyl
Janice M. Celeste, President and CEO of FentanylSolution.org, passionately conveyed the urgency of the situation. “These are not merely harmless pills;
they are lethal traps, often unknowingly passed among friends, at social gatherings, and even within our educational institutions,” she stated.
Shane Wood, the Director of Development at FentanylSolution.org, added another critical layer to this
issue, explaining, “Alarmingly, over 75% of these deaths are purely accidental. Naloxone, an antidote for opioid overdoses, can be a lifesaver in these dire situations.”
A Rallying Cry
Erica Spiegelman, the Founder and COO of New Spirit Recovery and a key sponsor of the event, emphasized the significance of addressing the root causes of addiction. She highlighted California as ground zero for this crisis, with over 117 lives tragically lost each week due to fentanyl poisoning. Her support for the event underscored the dire need for community involvement and practical education.
NFL veterans Jarrod Bunch and Terry Robiski lent their influential voices to the cause, emphasizing the importance of collective action and community engagement in combating this crisis.
Senator Henry Stern and Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin each graciously awarded Sarah and George Foreman III, Craft Boxing Club, a Certificate of Recognition, in appreciation of their dedication to addressing the fentanyl crisis. Janice also presented a plaque on behalf of FentanylSolution.org as a token of gratitude for allowing such a powerful message to come across in such a powerful way.
More Than Just a Boxing Class
While the attendees engaged in shadowboxing and physical exertion, the atmosphere in the room became increasingly weighty with every statistic and personal story shared. Erica Spiegelman aptly summed up the
event by saying, “We are not simply throwing punches in the air; we are fighting back against a crisis that is tearing our society apart.” The event
served as an educational platform, diligently informing attendees about the hazards of counterfeit pills, the critical importance of naloxone, and the life-saving initiatives spearheaded by FentanylSolution.org.
A Guiding Light
The “Fight Fentanyl” event stood as a testament to the power of community and collective effort. It shone as a beacon of hope, signaling that positive change is attainable when society unites against a common adversary. With influential figures like Foreman III, FentanylSolution.org, and Spiegelman leading the charge, the message was crystal clear: the battle against fentanyl is a shared responsibility, and it is a battle that we can emerge victorious from.
The Golden Globe Giveaway, Arts & Crafts for Kids, and Gourmet Charcuterie
Notably, the event featured a Golden Globe Giveaway, an arts & crafts corner for kids, and a gourmet charcuterie board sponsored by supermodel and daughter of Janice, Sessilee Lopez-Holmes, adding a touch of flair to the proceedings and underscoring the collective effort to address the fentanyl crisis.
(left) Sessilee Lopez-Holmes: Vogue cover sensation, iconic muse of Steven Meisel, redefining fashion, captured in style!
Join the Cause: Contribute Today
Your assistance can make a tangible difference in this life-saving mission. To contribute to the fight against fentanyl, we kindly urge you to consider making a donation to FentanylSolution.org. Every dollar you contribute is a vital piece of the collective puzzle in our endeavor to save lives and work towards a future free from the grasp of fentanyl’s devastation. Together, we can win this fight against fentanyl.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
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!