Golden State Today

On National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom highlighted California’s efforts to address the opioid crisis through public education campaigns, harm reduction resources, and drug enforcement initiatives.

"The painful realities of the opioid crisis play out every day in devastating impacts across the country. We may not be able to turn back the clock on this overdose epidemic, but we must stop it from evolving any further – and we owe it to our communities to help mitigate the damage this tragedy has wrought," said Governor Gavin Newsom.

In 2023, Governor Newsom introduced his Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis. This comprehensive framework includes measures to support overdose prevention, hold pharmaceutical companies accountable, combat drug trafficking, and raise awareness about opioid dangers.

"Every day, lives, families, and communities are torn apart by the opioid crisis. In California, we refuse to let anyone suffer alone. Instead, we’re working to connect people and families with recovery resources and equip all Californians with the tools they need to keep themselves safe," stated First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

California has launched several public education campaigns focused on youth opioid education with an emphasis on fentanyl awareness. The Campus Opioid Act of 2022 mandates that public college campuses distribute naloxone—a federally approved overdose reversal medication—and include information about overdoses in orientation sessions. Additionally, AB 2429 requires fentanyl education in health classes.

The state also established opioids.ca.gov as a resource hub for prevention information, treatment options, data access, and updates on opioid settlement fund usage.

Beyond education efforts, California is addressing racial and economic disparities impacting access to lifesaving medications. Earlier this year saw the introduction of a CalRx®-branded over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray available free through eligible organizations via the Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP). Over 4 million kits have been distributed under NDP so far.

Efforts to remove drugs from streets include expanding the California National Guard's role in preventing drug trafficking by transnational criminal organizations. A Counter Drug Task Force was launched last year resulting in seizures of approximately 8 million pills within six months of operation.

Emerging threats such as fentanyl mixed with xylazine or other stimulants like methamphetamine are closely monitored by state agencies. Xylazine—an animal tranquilizer—has been linked to rising overdose deaths nationwide but remains rare in California's drug supply due to proactive measures taken by Governor Newsom's administration.

Governor Newsom has advocated for legislative action against illicit xylazine trafficking despite setbacks but continues working towards passing stricter laws on this front.

The ongoing opioid crisis has evolved since its onset in 1999 causing over 564,000 overdose deaths across America with synthetic opioids like fentanyl contributing significantly since their rise in popularity post-2013.