Marin County officials will host a virtual forum addressing the opioid crisis this week.
This year’s OD Free Marin forum “Working Together to Prevent Overdose” is planned for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, and will focus on collaborative strategies, resource sharing, and community action to help address the opioid overdose crisis in Marin County.
The county said in a statement Thursday that Marin County averages more than one fatal overdose each week. Drug overdose is the leading cause of death among Marin residents ages 55 and younger.
“With the opioid overdose crisis continuing to impact our community, it is crucial that we come together to discuss collaborative approaches and share resources,” said Kathy Koblick, Marin County’s public health division director. “This forum provides an opportunity for participants to learn about innovative approaches and best practices for preventing overdose, as well as to find resources to support themselves, their loved ones, and the wider community.”
The county said participants in the forum can expect to hear perspectives from community partners and sector leaders, spanning health care and treatment providers, public health experts, nonprofit organizations, media specialists, and youth advocacy groups.
“This forum provides an opportunity for participants to learn about innovative approaches and best practices for preventing overdose, as well as to find resources to support themselves, their loved ones, and the wider community.” Kathy Koblick, Marin Countys public health division director
Much of the discussion will focus on fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 100 times stronger than morphine. While fentanyl is used to treat severe pain in clinical settings, it is also manufactured and distributed illegally, the county said.
Fentanyl is found in pills, powders, and liquids. Counterfeit pills sold as Xanax, Percocet, Oxycontin, Adderall and others can contain deadly doses of fentanyl. Similarly, cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin may be laced with fentanyl, escalating the risk of overdose.
OD Free Marin addresses the overdose crisis through education, collaboration, and community action. Those interested in the OD Free Marin initiative are encouraged to take steps such as getting free Narcan and training on the OD Free Marin website.
People can also learn about the Let’s Talk program and other resources for parents and guardians to navigate youth substance abuse and joining the OD Free initiative by signing up for one of four action teams at the OD Free Marin website.
People can register for the Zoom forum online.