# data[].attributes.headline
You tube video. How to use Fentanyl Test strips 

# data[].attributes.subject
You tube video. How to use Fentanyl Test strips 

# data[].attributes.headline
Understanding California's Good Samaritan Law

# data[].attributes.subject
Understanding California's Good Samaritan Law

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Add your voice to the conversation. Añade tu voz a la conversación.

# data[].attributes.headline
Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing 

# data[].attributes.subject
Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Grief recovery for those who have lost someone due to substance use. GRASP provides compassionate support, local meetings and resources. Mobile Version

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We will never shame, judge, or preach to stop. If you are interested in getting help, we have resources available for you, but we will never push them on you. We recognize that you will only quit, when you're ready to quit. We just want to help keep you a live until that time comes!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We will never shame, judge, or preach to stop. If you are interested in getting help, we have resources available for you, but we will never push them on you. We recognize that you will only quit, when you're ready to quit. We just want to help keep you a live until that time comes!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This fact sheet was produced by The DOPE Project.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl is a more condensed, more potent opioid, which means that consuming the same amount of heroin and fentanyl may have different impacts on the body based on an individual's tolerance. Fentanyl is utilized because it is cheap to manufacture, and because a small amount goes a long way. Many individuals consume fentanyl without their knowledge (because they do not realize that it is in a product they're using), while others are intentionally using fentanyl because of its potency. It is partly responsible for the current overdose crisis in the U.S., combined with a lack of resources and the criminalization of people who use drugs.

Starting in 2012, there has been a spike in the number of overdose deaths related to synthetic opioids. Overdose deaths involving fentanyl have quadrupled in recent years. Because of the War on Drugs and criminalization of people who use drugs, people often are unaware of the exact composition of the substances they're using. This means that if someone (takes/consumes/uses??) an amount of a (substance/drug?) that their body is able to tolerate, it may actually be much stronger than they expect and account for. Because there is not safe access to

This makes evidence-based harm reduction strategies such as fentanyl test strips, safety planning, and access to safe supply are more vital than ever.

Fast Facts About Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a strong synthetic opioid that has been used in clinical settings for decades and is often described as 80-100 times stronger than morphine, or about 50 times stronger than heroin.

Fentanyl is partly responsible for the current overdose crisis in the U.S., combined with a lack of resources and the criminalization of people who use drugs.

Fentanyl moving through the street market comes in the form of a white, gray or tan powder and can be injected, smoked, or snorted. It has also been found in other drugs, like heroin, meth, cocaine, and pressed pills.

Fentanyl and fentanyl analogues (some stronger, some weaker) are not "naloxone resistant." They are opioids and will respond to naloxone in the event of an overdose.

You cannot overdose simply by touching powdered fentanyl. This is a common myth, but fentanyl must be introduced into the bloodstream or a mucus membrane in order for someone to feel the effects. Transdermal fentanyl patches exist and are used primarily in medical settings, but are uniquely formulated to be absorbed by the skin.

Fentanyl Myths: Set the Record Straight

Fentanyl and fentanyl analogues (some stronger than fentanyl, some weaker) are not "naloxone resistant." They are opioids and will respond to naloxone if someone is overdosing. When it appears that someone overdosing is not responding to naloxone it may be because:

1. the naloxone needs more time to take effect (wait 2-3 mins before administering more naloxone)

2. they need more than one dose of naloxone (wait 2-3 minutes between doses)

3. the naloxone was administered after the person had been without oxygen for too long

You cannot overdose simply by touching fentanyl. It must be introduced into the bloodstream or a mucus membrane in order for someone to feel the effects. While there are fentanyl patches that can be placed on the skin for pain management, this is not the formulation being cut into other substances.

Stay Vigilant and Assume Risk

While fentanyl has a market as a drug being knowingly bought and sold, it is also in other drugs and samples of black tar heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and counterfeit or pressed pills have tested positive for fentanyl.

The street drug supply has always been unpredictable and inconsistent. Assume overdose risk no matter what drug you're using, and practice as much harm reduction as possible, as consistently as possible: Go slow. Use less. Test your product. If you're using alone, double down on other strategies. Have someone check on you. Smoke or snort instead of inject. If you're using in a group, stagger your use so someone is always alert. Know the signs of an overdose. Carry naloxone and know how to use it. Look out for each other!

Using Fentanyl

Remember: Fentanyl is about 50 times stronger than heroin. That means the margin of error when using fentanyl is much smaller than when using heroin, so adjust your dose accordingly. Start off using less and/or slower!
Think about it like this: Imagine breaking down a gram of heroin into 50 separate shots. Now imagine that just one of those shots (less than half of a half of a point-bag) was as strong as a full gram shot. That's how strong fentanyl is.
Wooden/Rigid Chest Syndrome

Synthetic opioids like fentanyl and fentanyl analogues can sometimes cause seizure-like symptoms immediately after use that can include: Muscle spasming, locked limbs, and a rigid chest that can prevent a person from breathing properly.
You can use any drug safely, including fentanyl and its analogues, as long as you have the right resources.
Not everyone experiences these symptoms and it doesn't happen every time.

Should you witness these symptoms, respond like you would to an overdose: Administer a dose of naloxone every two minutes and do your best to breathe for the person! Naloxone works, and should relieve symptoms in 2-3 minutes!

Reducing Overdose Risk

Use slow and use less. A little goes a long way with fentanyl (compared to heroin) and overdoses can occur quickly, sometimes before a person has finished injecting the dose.

Try snorting or smoking instead of injecting. Injecting carries the highest risk for overdose, so shifting to snorting or smoking may help reduce risk. A person can still overdose by smoking or snorting, especially with fentanyl, so start slow.

Space out doses. Take time between doses because fentanyl acts fast and is different for everyone, depending on dose and tolerance.

Practice extra caution when using alone. We're safer together, but it's not always possible to be with a friend you trust. Try to have someone you know check on you if you have to use alone so they can intervene in the event of an overdose.

In a group? Stagger your use. Make sure someone is always alert and that at least one person has naloxone on them.

Test it. Knowing what's in drugs can help with the decision of how much and how best to use them.

Always carry naloxone. Be familiar with the signs of an overdose and be prepared to respond with naloxone.

Listen to your body. Overall health impacts overdose risk. Hydrate, eat, and rest as much as possible.

About The DOPE Project

The DOPE Project is a program of the National Harm Reduction Coalition and is funded by the San Francisco Department of Public Health to coordinate San Francisco's response to drug overdose. To learn more, please visit the DOPE Project.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fentanyl Use and Overdose Prevention Tips - National Harm Reduction Coalition

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This fact sheet was produced by The DOPE Project. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl is a more condensed, more potent opioid, which means that consuming the same amount of heroin and fentanyl may have different impacts on the body based on an individual's tolerance.

# data[].attributes.headline
Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, Inc

# data[].attributes.subject
Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, Inc

# data[].attributes.body
Counseling Services, Youth Prevention Programs, Education and Training

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
PVPSA offers both school-based and community-based programs and provides counseling services to hundreds of children, youth, adults and families each year. Our programs help keep students and families healthy and strong. Common clinical issues we address include anxiety, depression, family conflicts, grief, trauma and loss transitions. We work to ensure access to services is easy for all community members and accept Medi-Cal and payments on a sliding fee scale. Our counseling staff includes licensed therapists in Marriage Family Therapy (MFT) and Clinical Social Work (CSW) as well as youth development specialists.

PVPSA ofrece programas basados en la escuela y en la comunidad y proporciona servicios de consejería a cientos de niños, jóvenes, adultos y familias cada año. Nuestros programas ayudan a mantener a los estudiantes y las familias sanos y fuertes. Los problemas clínicos comunes que abordamos incluyen ansiedad, depresión, conflictos familiares, dolor, trauma y transiciones de pérdida. Trabajamos para garantizar que el acceso a los servicios sea fácil para todos los miembros de la comunidad y acepte Medi-Cal y los pagos en una escala de tarifas deslizante. Nuestro personal de asesoramiento incluye terapeutas con licencia en Terapia Familiar Matrimonial (MFT) y Trabajo Social Clínico (CSW), así como especialistas en desarrollo juvenil.

All Non-PVUSD staff, please use the following form.

PVUSD staff, please use one of these two forms to make a referral.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
PROGRAMS | Pajaro Valley Prevention & Student Assistance | Watsonville, CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
PVPSA offers both school-based and community-based programs and provides counseling services to hundreds of children, youth, adults and families each year. Our programs help keep students and families healthy and strong. Common clinical issues we address include anxiety, depression, family conflict

# data[].attributes.headline
Encompass Behavioral Health, Youth & Family 

# data[].attributes.subject
Encompass Behavioral Health, Youth & Family 

# data[].attributes.body
Parent Education. Child, youth and family counseling

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Encompass's Youth & Family programs offer a spectrum of services for children, youth, and families including counseling, parenting education, and substance use disorder treatment. Staff are trained to work with specialty populations and offer trauma-informed services from a systems perspective.

Parent Education

Papás of the Central Coast: Father involvement and economic stability/upward mobility workshops with case management support for father figures in Santa Cruz and northern Monterey counties.

Child, Youth, & Family Counseling

Families Together: Differential Response model offering a combination of counseling and parenting education to improve the safety of children and youth in their homes.

FUERTE Wraparound: Wraparound services for youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

TAY (Transition Age Youth): Counseling, skill building, resource center, and subsidized supportive housing for current and former foster and probation placement youth ages 15-24.

Therapeutic Behavioral Services: Intensive behaviorally-focused service for youth at risk of a higher level of care.

Youth Services Counseling (CARF Accredited Program): Individual and family counseling to support challenges with emotional and behavioral challenges.

Youth Substance Use Counseling (CARF Accredited Program): Outpatient and intensive outpatient services for youth struggling with drugs and/or alcohol use.

Residential

Tyler House (STRTP) (CARF Accredited Program): Short-term residential therapeutic program for youth in need of a higher level of care in order to stabilize before returning to a previous or new home.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Integrated Behavioral Health, Youth & Family

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Encompass's Youth & Family programs offer a spectrum of services for children, youth, and families including counseling, parenting education, and substance use disorder treatment. Staff are trained to work with specialty populations and offer trauma-informed services from a systems perspective.

# data[].attributes.headline
Enhancing Empathy. Overdose Deaths are surging nationwide. We are losing too many lives to conditions that are preventable. We can end overdose. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Enhancing Empathy. Overdose Deaths are surging nationwide. We are losing too many lives to conditions that are preventable. We can end overdose. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic those living with addiction will inevitably experience increased levels of isolation and stress. Please keep in mind that our response to the opioid epidemic has been hindered by physical distancing policies and increased barriers to SUD care. Sam Quinones has written about the grace that will be needed from all of us during these times. To see his article on grace for those living with addiction please visit the following website.

SafeRx was originally brought together with funding from the California Health Care Foundation in November of 2015 to decrease opioid-related misuse and deaths by focusing on three federal priority areas:

1. Safer prescribing practices

2. Improved access to medication-assisted substance use disorder treatment

3. Increased availability of overdose reversal medication (Naloxone, Narcan)

Today, SafeRx is maintained through funding from the Center for Care Innovations and Sutter Health/Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Rooted in the unique concept of opioid failure (the medications have failed the patient; the patient has not failed the treatment), SafeRx continues to address the local opioid epidemic.

The Steering Committee meets quarterly to help keep work groups on track
and provide guidance and support to initiative leads in meeting their goals.

to develop resources for addressing the 3 federal priority areas: supporting safe prescribing, increasing access to MAT, and increasing access to Naloxone

to develop a community dashboard with accurate, relevant, and easily tracked data

Community Education Initiative

to develop and publicize patient and community education messaging around prescription medication safety

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic those living with addiction will inevitably experience increased levels of isolation and stress. Please keep in mind that our response to the opioid epidemic has been hindered by physical distancing policies and increased barriers to SUD care. Sam Quinones has written about the grace that will be needed from all of us during these times.

# data[].attributes.headline
"Safety First" Drug Education Curriculum for Educators 

# data[].attributes.subject
"Safety First" Drug Education Curriculum for Educators 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Today, the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) launched Safety First, the first of its kind drug education curriculum aimed at providing high school students with honest and scientifically accurate information that empowers them to reduce drug-related harms.

The curriculum was first piloted and evaluated at Bard Early College High School in Manhattan in Spring 2018, and then was expanded to five schools within the San Francisco Unified School District during the 2018-2019 school year. Based on feedback from students, educators and parents following the pilots, the curriculum was revised to increase its resonance, value and efficacy.

Unlike abstinence-only programs, Safety First is based on the philosophy of harm reduction. While the curriculum foregrounds abstinence as the safest possible choice for young people to make regarding substance use, Safety First goes so much beyond that - by actually providing teens with essential information to keep themselves and their friends safe if and when they do encounter alcohol or other drugs.

The curriculum comes at an extremely vital time when the U.S. is experiencing its worst public health crisis in decades, with nearly 70,000 American lives being lost to accidental overdose in 2018 alone. Drug overdose is now the leading cause of death among Americans under 50.

"First and foremost, we want to keep our young people safe," said Sasha Simon, Safety First Program Manager. "The old paradigm that not teaching someone about something will keep them from doing it is inherently flawed. And lives are being lost because of it. This curriculum provides students with the education and skills they need to understand drugs and their associated risks, so that they are then able to make informed, responsible-and most importantly, safer-choices."

"'Just say no' doesn't work-it shames people," said Drew Miller, health teacher at Bard Early College High School. "Knowing what something is gives them the opportunity to make an informed and safe choice. If anything, this curriculum has made my students less likely to use drugs because they know the honest truth about how they work. And should they or their friends encounter these substances, I feel better knowing I did everything I could to equip them with the basic understanding to keep them safe."

The curriculum-consisting of 15 lessons that can be completed in 45-minute class periods-aligns with the National Health Education Standards (NHES) and Common Core Learning Standards, and is intended to be implemented in high school classrooms by health teachers, counselors and other youth workers. The lessons are designed to engage students through interactive activities such as discussions, research and role-playing. For ease of use, they also include teacher modifications, student worksheets, extension assignments for further learning and a grading rubric to assess students' understanding.

The goal of the curriculum is to empower ninth and tenth grade students to make healthier decisions by helping them develop:

Critical thinking skills to access and evaluate information about alcohol and other drugs

Decision-making and goal-setting skills that aid them in making healthy choices

Personal and social strategies to manage the risks, benefits and harms related to use of alcohol and other drugs

An understanding of the impact drug policies have on personal and community health

The capability to advocate for health-oriented drug policies

Lessons offered include:

What is a Drug?

Introduction to Harm Reduction

How Drugs Work

Drug Classes: Stimulants

Drug Classes: Cannabis - Part 1

Drug Classes: Cannabis - Part 2

Vaping & E-Cigarettes

Drug Classes: Alcohol & Other Depressants

Drug Classes: Prescription & Other Opioids

Drug Classes: Psychedelics

Mental Health and Coping

Health & Policy

Understanding Zero Tolerance

Looking Back, Looking Forward

A Healthy Future

DPA has a long history of providing guidance to parents on how to talk with their kids about drugs. The core of this advice can be found in the Safety First: A Reality-Based Approach to Teens and Drugs booklet. It is available in eight languages and has been widely distributed.

Parents can find further advice with these short tip sheets:

The Safety First curriculum is available for download at no cost at drugpolicy.org/safetyfirst.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
DPA Rolls Out "Safety First" Drug Education Curriculum

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Today, the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) launched Safety First, the first of its kind drug education curriculum aimed at providing high school students with honest and scientifically accurate information that empowers them to reduce drug-related harms. The curriculum was first piloted and evaluated at Bard Early College High School in Manhattan in Spring 2018, and then was expanded to five schools within the San Francisco Unified School District during the 2018-2019 school year.

# data[].attributes.headline
8 Tips for Talking to Your Teen About Alcohol and Other Drugs

# data[].attributes.subject
8 Tips for Talking to Your Teen About Alcohol and Other Drugs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
8 Tips for Talking to Your Teen About Alcohol and Other Drugs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When we tell our teens to put on a seatbelt, it's not because we're expecting an accident - but because we want them to be prepared in case there is one. In the same way, it is important to talk to teens early and often about how to reduce risks when alcohol and other drugs are present.

# data[].attributes.headline
Virtual Town Hall on Fentanyl Poisoning and Overdose - Q and A April 13, 2021 Placer County 

# data[].attributes.subject
Virtual Town Hall on Fentanyl Poisoning and Overdose - Q and A April 13, 2021 Placer County 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
20210721 Fentanyl Heatlh Advisory 072221 