Body of News Release
San Rafael, CA – The coalition committed to addressing the opioid overdose crisis in Marin County invites community members to its annual virtual forum at 6:30 PM Wednesday, April 10. Online registration is free and open through the time of the event.
This year’s OD Free Marin forum, “Working Together to Prevent Overdose,” will focus on collaborative strategies, resource sharing, and community action to help address the opioid overdose crisis in Marin County.
The recent local statistics on overdoses are startling.
- Marin 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."
Participants in the April 10 forum can expect valuable insights such as:
- Perspectives from community partners and sector leaders, spanning health care and treatment providers, public health experts, nonprofit organizations, media specialists, and youth advocacy groups.
- An inspirational personal narrative shared by a Marin resident.
- Innovative approaches and best practices implemented throughout the county to prevent overdoses.
- Access to resources designed to support individuals, families, and the wider community.
- Opportunities to engage with the coalition, empowering attendees to contribute to tangible change.
In recent years, the key concern among Marin County Public Health officials who monitor drug overdoses is 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.
Fentanyl is found in pills, powders, and liquids. Counterfeit pills sold as Xanax, Percocet, Oxy, 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:
- Get free Narcan and training on the OD Free Marin website.
- Learn about the Let’s Talk program and other resources for parents/guardians to navigate youth substance abuse.
- Join the OD Free initiative by signing up for one of four Action Teams.
- Subscribe to the OD Free Marin newsletter.