Memorandum
Date: May 9, 2023
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Board of Supervisors
Subject: Presentation of Proclamation Designating the Day of May 9th, 2023, as Fentanyl Awareness Day in Lake County
Executive Summary:
WHEREAS, Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine; and
WHEREAS, Fentanyl use and poisoning impacts adults and youth of all racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, according to the CDC, 107,375 people in the United States have died of drug overdoses and poisoning; 67% of those deaths involved synthetic opioids, such as Fentanyl. Many of those deaths are attributed to Fentanyl being mixed with other substances, leaving many people unaware that they were taking Fentanyl; and
WHEREAS, through acknowledgment of Fentanyl Awareness Day, Lake County creates a space for organizations, community, affected individuals, and family members to come together, sharing experiences as a whole group to counsel our youth and the public about the dangers of Fentanyl; and
WHEREAS, with commitment and support, reducing Fentanyl misuse and poisoning can be prevented; however, success will not occur overnight; our patience and continued commitment to education and prevention are imperative; and
WHEREAS, while expanding access to Fentanyl test strips and the emergency overdose reversal drug, Naloxone is critical to reducing Fentanyl use, poisoning, and overdose, the stigma that surrounds drug use, addiction, and overdose often makes it difficult for communities to implement these measures and effectively address the opioid crisis; and
WHEREAS, today, the County of Lake joins all those who have been affected by Fentanyl use in spreading awareness of the harm that Fentanyl can cause and reminds all community members that anyone can save a life by educating themselves on the signs of an o...
Click here for full text