"As the parent of a college sophomore and recent college graduate, this is an issue that feels very personal to me," said Dave Pine, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, during a session on Tuesday, May 30. , which looked at the harm fentanyl and opioids are inflicting on San Mateo County residents.
"I think the emphasis on education should be continually highlighted. Our best approach is to educate residents, especially youth and young adults, about the lethality of these drugs," Pine added.
The local official's comments followed a detailed report from the San Mateo County Health Department during the Board's study session titled "The Opioid and Fentanyl Crisis: An Overview." The report included presentations and discussion by local public health experts, as well as a Pacifica mother whose son died of a fentanyl overdose.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 107,375 people in the United States died from drug overdoses and poisoning in the 12-month period ending January 2022. Two-thirds, or 67 percent, of those deaths involved opioids. synthetics like fentanyl, which is often mixed with other drugs.
"Any death is tragic," said Dr. Scott Morrow, San Mateo County health officer. Although the data is imperfect, given the increasing prevalence of fentanyl, he pointed out, "youth use and death among young people is certain to increase."
During the session, the supervisors said they want to see actions included in a comprehensive plan such as launching public awareness and education campaigns, including billboards and messages targeting youth and families in multiple languages, that build on successes in other areas of public health.
In addition, improving data collection to help public health experts identify specific areas or populations at risk; as well as expanding access to life-saving drugs ?naloxone?, which can reverse overdoses and test strips that can identify the presence of fentanyl.
They also called for improved communication and cooperation among a wide range of organizations, including county health and public safety officials, school representatives and others who would measure the problem and make recommendations.
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