Happening ‘under the parents’ noses.’ Fresno leaders push for fentanyl education funds
Assemblymember Jim Patterson and local law enforcement and education officials are pushing for legislation that would fund education programs and public service announcements about the dangers of fentanyl.
Fresno County already is in the second phase of an educational campaign that local officials say is an example for other jurisdictions. The campaign includes billboards, public service announcements, and other efforts through law enforcement and education programs. Patterson’s proposed assembly bill would fund six pilot programs statewide to replicate that campaign through grant funding.
“It’s just one pill, one time,” Patterson said. “That could mean that someone’s beloved child will lay on the table dead in the morgue.”
The bill is scheduled for its first committee hearing Tuesday, and Patterson said it’s likely to be pushed through with broad support. If passed by the end of the legislative session, Patterson expects funding to become available at the beginning of 2023, he said.
The distribution of fentanyl adds another layer to the opioid crisis. Officials said it’s often mixed with other drugs, and the tiniest amount can be deadly. Drug dealers often lace other drugs with fentanyl because it’s extremely addictive, they said.
Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp said fentanyl has become the No. 1 cause of death for people ages 18-25.
“I have a saying that offends a lot of people, and I really don’t care,” Smittcamp said. “It’s this: Kids want to get high. They don’t want to die.
“Today, when kids are dealing with drugs, there is no more, ‘Let’s try it out,’ because they’re playing with their lives every single time,” she said. “Fentanyl is not just counterfeit pills. It’s been laced in marijuana. It’s being put in methamphetamine. It’s being put in cocaine. So it’s very important for us to push this bill through so that we can continue the education and awareness all through the nation and all through the state. This is a problem that is nationwide, and if we don’t tackle it right here at home, it’s just going to get worse.”
Mark Salazar, a deputy chief with Fresno Police Department, said a Fresno PD detective works with federal and state agents to tackle fentanyl distribution in the San Joaquin Valley. The detective also does education work on fentanyl two or three times a week, Salazar said. Fresno police also have a narcotics unit focused on getting fentanyl off the streets.
Flindt Andersen, founder and president of PAIN (Parents and Addicts In Need), said he’s tired of attending funerals. He started his organization in 2009, and at that time, most of his clients came from north of Herndon Avenue in Fresno. But fentanyl “is a whole new ball game,” he said, and now his clients come from all over the city.
Andersen encouraged parents to monitor their children’s cell phone use.
“Those phones that those kids are using today, those are as deadly as a .45 (handgun),” he said. “Those phones — they can buy anything they want, any day of the week, any time. Drug dealers will deliver these things to their homes. We’ve caught them on Ring cameras right under the parents’ noses.”
Madera County District Attorney Sally Moreno agreed that the problem isn’t unique to Fresno, and the answer is collaboration.
“We look forward to moving this same program out into our community,” Moreno said. “It doesn’t stop at the back door. It doesn’t stop at the river. As this program grows up here in Fresno, not only is it going to help Fresno, but it’s going to help all the surrounding community.”
Resources
If you encounter someone that is suspected of overdose, you should immediately call 911. If someone you know needs help with opioid or other substance use disorder, contact 1-800-654-3937 to access behavioral health services.
There are several providers in Fresno County that distribute Narcan, an FDA-approved drug that reverses the effect of an opioid overdose. Narcan isn’t always effective or may only work for a short time because street fentanyl is typically very potent.
Fresno County residents can get Narcan at the following locations:
- The emergency department at Community Regional Medical Center offers Narcan for free at 2823 Fresno St.
- The Fresno/San Joaquin Valley Needle Exchange offers Narcan by prescription only. Call 559-412-6226.
- PAIN (Parents and Addicts In Need) is a local nonprofit that offers free Narcan and other substance abuse programs. Call 559-579-1551.
- Visit Fresno County Department of Public Health at 1221 Fulton St.
- Contact your physician or pharmacy.