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Supervisor Novasel recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign a Proclamation declaring May 10, 2022 as National Fentanyl Awareness Day; and
2) Receive a presentation regarding opioid abuse and the mission of the Tahoe Alliance for Safe Kids.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Senator Thomas J. Umberg introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 100 to declare May 10, 2022 as Fentanyl Awareness Day in California. The United States is in the midst of a Fentanyl overdose epidemic. Over 100,000 Americans died as a result of this drug in 2021 driven by traffickers mass-producing fake or counterfeit pills. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), fentanyl is involved in more deaths of Americans under 50 than any other cause of death, including heart disease, cancer, and all other accidents.
Illegally made fentanyl and its dangers, while well-documented by health professionals and law enforcement, are largely unknown to the general population and even more so to its most vulnerable population: youth and young adults. Among teenagers, overdose deaths linked to synthetic opioids like fentanyl tripled in the past two years, yet 73% have never heard of fake prescription pills being made with fentanyl.
Spreading knowledge and information is crucial in responding to this rapidly increasing threat.
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PRIOR BOARD ACTION
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OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
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CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
[This section is completed by the CAO's Office. This section is required]
FINANCIAL IMPACT
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CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
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STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
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CONTACT
Supervisor Novasel