Americans across the country continue to grapple with substance dependence issues. Opioid use in particular — either in the form of prescription medications or as an illicit drug— presents a dangerous crisis. Nearly 2,000 Californians died last year from opioids, devastating families and communities across the state.*
Whether or not you know someone personally struggling right now, there is a chance you will be confronted with someone who needs help in the future as rates remain high. Being informed and having access to training and resources can save lives.
Narcan Training
Naloxone (also known by its brand name, Narcan®) is a life-saving medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose The Santa Clara County Opioid Overdose Prevention Project (SCCOOPP) offers free Narcan training and kits., opens a new window
Looking for more resources?
Events
Join Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian and the City of Mountain View for a screening of Fentanyl High on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 6 - 7:30 PM on SecondStage at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. This feature-length documentary film about the opioid epidemic and the dangers of fentanyl was researched and directed by Kyle Santoro, a student at Los Gatos High School. Created specifically for high school students, the film shares the perspectives and experiences of students in Santa Clara County.
Books
Explore this Staff Pick list: Beyond Narcan training workshop--the opioid crisis for titles accessible with your PACL either online as an e-resource or to check out from the library in-person.
Organizations
The California Overdose Prevention Network (COPN) is a network for coalitions, organizations, and individuals working at the forefront of the overdose epidemic. In 2018, COPN launched the Accelerator Program to support local coalitions striving for greater impact within their communities. This work focuses on preventing new addictions, increasing access to treatment, and stopping overdose deaths. More than 30 coalitions share ideas, learn better methods, and discover the latest strategies to prevent new addictions, increase access to treatment, and stop overdose deaths. The COPN contact for Santa Clara County is Mira Parwiz, mira.parwiz@hhs.sccgov.org
Santa Clara County Opioid Overdose Prevention Project (SCCOOPP) is a local coalition of health care professionals and other volunteers whose aim is to promote opioid safety throughout our county for all residents. They provide public and prescriber education for safer use of opioids, aim to improve opioid use disorder treatment access and access to naloxone kits. They strive to reduce the amount of opioids in circulation through the promotion of storing opioid medication safely and disposing of opioids no longer needed promptly and correctly. Interested in joining the coalition? Fill out their introduction survey today!
Learn more about the Harm Reduction Program (HRP) from Santa Clara County Public Health Department. The HRP outreach staff utilize medical mobile units throughout the County to distribute injection and alternatives to injection supplies as well as opioid overdose prevention supplies. In 2021, the HRP initiated the Bay Area Medication Assisted Treatment and Peer Support Program (BAMAT), a low-barrier Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program offering easy, safe, and timely access to MAT. The BAMAT aims to prevent opioid overdose and support positive change.
*Source: Behavioral Health Services Department, Santa Clara County.
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