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: Main Program & Q&A
Location:
Pavilion A
CSUF Titan Student Union
800 N. State College Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92831
Tickets:
Early Bird Registration!
Register by Sept 13 to receive discounted ticket prices.
Discounted prices below:
Members: $45
Non-members: $65
Young Professionals members: $35
Students: Free
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.
Check out the Fentanyl Solution booth at our event for more information and resources on the fentanyl crisis!
Christian’s Angelversary – July 19On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, friends and family showed their support and comforted Tina Burke. She is one of FentanylSolution.org’s board members as well as a Christian’s mom. Christian was a 21-year-old victim of fentanyl poisoning 3 years ago on July 19, 2020.
He was a senior at the University of Arizona, relishing the summer season back at home in Mission Viejo. A testament to his work ethic and determination, he understood the value of hard work and its rewards. From his
experience as a quarterback and wide receiver for his hometown teams to his devoted studies, he often witnessed the fruits of his labor.
Yet, Christian’s vibrant persona transcended his diligent nature. His presence illuminated any room, captivating others with his spirited personality. People were naturally drawn to him, enchanted by his infectious laughter and captivating smile, which exuded love and joy.
Tragically, on July 19, 2020, Christian’s life took an abrupt and devastating turn.
He purchased and consumed a Percocet, unaware that it was a counterfeit pill containing a lethal combination of fentanyl and acetaminophen. Within moments, this beloved 21-year-old cherished son, brother, boyfriend, athlete, and college student, lost his life due to the consumption of a single fake pill.
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!
Drew’s Story
Drew was seven months clean from heroin. He’d moved from Washington state to Florida with his mother to get away from any chance of falling back into his old life. He was in the top of his welding class with his sights set on a career in underwater welding. On the one-year anniversary of his father’s death, he wanted a moment of freedom from the pain of that memory. A friend gave him some cocaine: a one-time distraction that wouldn’t break his sobriety.
Unknown to Drew or his friend, the cocaine had been cut with fentanyl. One hit and Drew was dead. His mother found him when she returned from work to invite him to their nightly ritual of procedural dramas and daily debrief. Fortunately, he
didn’t die alone. His constant companion, his mastiff, Cerberus, watched over him until the paramedics took him away.
This is personal for FentanylSolution.org because it’s the story of our Development Officer, Shane Wood’s little brother.
Our employees and board all have stories of how fentanyl has affected their lives and we want to educate individuals not only on how to recognize the signs of overdose and Fentanyl poisoning, but train people on how to use naloxone to save a life. Your donation goes directly to this work.
107,375 people in the United States died of drug overdoses and drug poisonings in the 12-month period ending in January 2022. 67% of those deaths involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl. YOUR DONATION WILL HELP RAISE AWARENESS OF THIS DEADLY DRUG AND BRING AN END OF FENTANYL DEATHS.
Shane is trying to raise $50,000 by July 25, 2023 in honor of the sixth anniversary of Drew’s death.
Donate here: Donation Link
On Saturday, June 24th, 2023, Downtown Santa Ana was filled with vibrant energy as OC Pride, a non-profit LGBTQ+ organization, organized the Brilliant Resilience Pride Festival and Parade. The event was a true testament to unity, and the performances electrified the atmosphere.
It was an immense source of pride for us to champion our cause and distribute hundreds of our ‘Stop Fentanyl Packs’. Each pack contains 2 doses of naloxone and 2 fentanyl test strips to festival attendees.
As we stood in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support we received in return.
Countless people shared their heart-wrenching ‘fentanyl stories’ of losing loved ones—mothers, fathers, siblings, daughters, sons, and friends—to illicit fentanyl poisonings. The fentanyl crisis has permeated the lives of almost every individual in some manner or another.
The time for action is now. Let us raise awareness, disseminate information, and ensure that naloxone and fentanyl test strips remain easily accessible. If you find yourself in need, seek help. Ask us to host a ‘Save-a-Life Lunch & Learn’ – a training in which we go over the dangers of illicit fentanyl, how to use naloxone and provide Stop Fentanyl Packs. If you would like to purchase fentanyl test strips for yourself, your friends, family or community, check out this link, WiseBatch Fentanyl Test Strips. You can also be a volunteer and become either a trainer or ambassador. Please reach out to us at info@fentanylsolution.org. Together, we can make a 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!
This article includes an affiliate link.
As fentanyl overdose continues to be the leading cause of death among teens in Orange County and individuals aged 18-45 in the country, there is a growing focus on implementing precautionary measures. Among these measures, Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS) have emerged.
These test strips serve as a risk mitigator, particularly due to the uneven distribution of fentanyl (FTS Legis. Analysis). This is referred to as the “chocolate chip cookie effect.” In this analogy, the cookie symbolizes the entire substance like a pill, while the chocolate chips represent grains of fentanyl.
For example, even if a portion of the substance tests negative, there remains a significant likelihood of fentanyl being present in other parts of the substance or pill. To minimize risks as much as possible, it is crucial to dissolve the entire substance and test it.
To purchase WiseBatch Harm Reduction Fentanyl Test Strips, go to the link: WiseBatch
Fentanyl Test Strips are legal in the state of California.
Many inquire, “Is it safe to take a substance even after using a fentanyl test strip?” Ultimately, the answer is no. While it does help mitigate risks when testing the entire substance, there is still a possibility of fentanyl being present in the container it was given in or anything it has come into contact with, in addition to the 1-2% chance of the fentanyl strip failing. Even a mere 1% chance of fentanyl’s presence still poses a significant risk of overdose since only a minuscule amount equivalent to a grain of sand is enough to kill.
To purchase fentanyl test strips, click here. Be sure to check if fentanyl test strips are legal in your state.
This article includes an affiliate link.
As fentanyl poisonings continue to take a heavy toll on communities across the United States, the need for immediate and effective solutions has never been more urgent. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is now the number one killer of adults aged 18-45. It’s crucial for individuals and organizations to take proactive measures to protect themselves and those around them.
That’s where Kloxxado comes in. As a leading provider of naloxone sprays, Kloxxado is committed to saving lives and reducing the devastating impact of fentanyl. By providing rapid, user-friendly access to this lifesaving medication, Kloxxado empowers individuals to act as first responders and make a meaningful difference in the face of an emergency.
To support this critical mission, FentanylSolution.org is proud to partner with Kloxxado as a sponsor of our corporate Save A Life Lunch & Learns. You provide the LUNCH and we provide the LEARN! These informative and engaging sessions provide attendees with valuable insights into the illicit fentanyl crisis, as well as the skills and knowledge needed to identify the signs of an overdose and administer naloxone safely and effectively.
Led by trainers in naloxone administration and the principles of harm reduction, our Lunch & Learns are the perfect way for businesses and organizations to empower their employees and take an active role in combating the fentanyl epidemic. In addition to providing expert guidance and hands-on experience with naloxone sprays, our trainers can also provide attendees with naloxone kits to take to their workplaces and homes to use in case of a fentanyl emergency.
Ultimately, the goal of our Lunch & Learns is to give people the tools and resources they need to respond quickly and effectively to a fentanyl emergency. By providing access to lifesaving naloxone and educating individuals on its proper use, we can help reduce the risk of fatalities and make a meaningful impact on this urgent public health crisis.
If you want to make a difference and take action against the fentanyl crisis, consider signing up for one of our corporate Save A Life Lunch & Learns today. With the support of Kloxxado and our team of experienced trainers, you can help save lives and make a real difference in your community.
Contact Christine Kirkwood at Christine@FentanylSolution.org to sign up.
