San Bernardino County health officials address surge of fentanyl deaths, overdoses
San Bernardino County’s Public Health Officer on Monday issued a health advisory to bring attention to the dangers of fentanyl due to a marked increase in overdose deaths in the county.
SBC issues health advisories to raise public awareness when a significant threat to public health is identified, along with recommendations to eliminate or mitigate the risk.
County officials have released data regarding the local use of fentanyl, which the Drug Enforcement Administration has described as a cheap and powerful synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Just two milligrams of the drug can be lethal.
In 2018, there were 30 fentanyl overdose deaths in the county. The number rose to 74 residents in 2019, and then to 227 in 2020. Last year, there were 309 fentanyl overdose deaths in the county, SBC officials reported.
'Rainbow fentanyl' and Narcan in schools: What you need to know about illicit fentanyl
Several SBC-based agencies — Public Health, Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney, Behavioral Health, Superintendent of Schools and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center — are collaborating with community-based organizations, healthcare providers and schools to develop strategies to raise awareness and identify solutions to reduce fentanyl use.
“Deaths related to opioid use, such as fentanyl, are completely preventable,” SBC’s Health Officer, Dr. Michael Sequeira said. “Efforts to reduce the effects of opioid overdose and death are a top priority for San Bernardino County.”
Rainbow fentanyl
Sequeira also warns people to be aware of the emergence of “rainbow fentanyl,” a potentially fatal drug found in pills and powders in various bright colors, shapes and sizes that could be attractive to young people.
Agencies across the country are also issuing public safety alerts regarding rainbow fentanyl.
On Monday, Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert warned the public that rainbow fentanyl pills are now in her area.
Law enforcement has recently made the first significant rainbow fentanyl fake M30 pill seizure in the Sacramento region, Schubert announced.
“These colorful fentanyl pills look exactly like Smarties candies, and they are designed to attract kids and teens,” Schubert said.
High Desert arrests
Arrests have been made across the High Desert, with suspects found possessing firearms, methamphetamine and fentanyl.
In July, a traffic stop in Barstow led to the arrest of three men and the seizure of 20 pounds of fentanyl pills estimated to be worth $350,000.
The Alameda County Narcotics Task Force contacted the Barstow Police Department with information on a “load of fentanyl” coming through Barstow.
Officers spotted the vehicle exiting Interstate 15 at Highway 58 and pulled over the car, where they discovered three men from Honduras. Officers then searched the car and found the blue fentanyl pills in plastic bags.
All three men were arrested and booked into county jail on suspicion of possessing fentanyl for sale and transportation of fentanyl with intent to sell.
In October, Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station deputies and detectives discovered suspected narcotics and cash during a search warrant of a home.
During the search, deputies detained a suspect and seized methamphetamine; fentanyl; over $1,000 in cash; and a scale possibly used for narcotics sales.
Increased fentanyl usage nationwide
Fentanyl is responsible for more overdose deaths than any other illegal drug in the U.S., according to the CDC.
The drug is a significant contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S. Its increased presence in the drug supply is a key contributor to the increase in overdose deaths.
Many illegal drugs — including counterfeit prescription opioid pills, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy — can be mixed with fentanyl with or without a person’s knowledge, as they would not be able to see, taste or smell the fentanyl.
Strategies to protect community
The SBC Department of Public Health is working on implementing various strategies to protect the community, including:
It is increasing the availability and accessibility of Naloxone. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose of opioids—including heroin, Fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications—when given in time.
We are integrating harm reduction intervention services in the community. Harm reduction emphasizes engaging directly with people who use drugs to prevent overdose and connecting them to support services.
We are providing opioid awareness and overdose prevention education.
Anyone who encounters fentanyl in any form should not handle it and should call 911 immediately.
Related: How to use Narcan to treat a fentanyl overdose
Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose can save a life. Here are some things to look for
Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils.”
Falling asleep or losing consciousness
Slow, weak, or no breathing
Choking or gurgling sounds
Limp body
Cold and/or clammy skin
Discolored skin, especially on lips and nails
To learn more about how Public Health is working to address the opioid epidemic, visit wp.sbcounty.gov/dph/programs/health-edu/opioid-initiative.
For information about alcohol/substance-use treatment options, call the Department of Behavioral Health Substance Use Disorder 24-hour helpline at 800-968-2636.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: San Bernardino health officials address surge of fentanyl deaths, overdoses
