Fort Bragg Fights Fentanyl
Background
The Fentanyl Task Force is committed to reducing the devastating impact of fentanyl in our community through education, advocacy, and compassionate, evidence-based solutions.
Guided by a clear mission and focused goals, the Task Force is actively working to combat the opioid epidemic and support those affected by substance use.
Focused Initiatives
Enhance Education
Increase awareness and understanding of fentanyl and the opioid crisis across all sectors of the community.
Expand Treatment Options
Improve access to outpatient treatment services for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
Youth Treatment Facility Research Explore the feasibility of establishing an inpatient youth treatment center in Mendocino County, addressing a critical gap in services for young people across Northern California.
Accomplishments
Education Initiative
The Fentanyl Task Force created an educational outline to support schools, students, staff members, and families by providing comprehensive educational materials, guidance, and resources aimed at increasing awareness about the dangers of fentanyl.
This initiative equips schools with age-appropriate lesson plans, conversation guides for educators and parents, and informational brochures to help facilitate open and informed discussions with students.
The materials are designed to help school staff and families understand what fentanyl is, recognize signs of opioid use or overdose, and learn effective ways to talk to students about the risks, peer pressure, and prevention strategies.
The goal is to foster a well-informed school community capable of identifying risks early and supporting safe, healthy choices among youth.
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Intervention & Treatment Access Guide
In addition to educational materials, the Fentanyl Task Force is developing a clear, step-by-step guide to help schools and families quickly navigate the appropriate actions and treatment options in the event of a suspected overdose or substance use concern.
This structured guide outlines the pathways based on specific situations—such as whether the student is in crisis, showing warning signs, or seeking help voluntarily—and directs users to the most appropriate response, from immediate emergency care to referrals for inpatient treatment or counseling services.
By simplifying the decision-making process, this tool empowers school staff, counselors, and families to respond swiftly and effectively, ensuring students receive timely support and the level of care that best fits their needs.
Youth Treatment Facility
Access to comprehensive inpatient treatment services for youth remains limited across Northern California, leaving many young individuals and their families without the support they urgently need. In Mendocino County, the absence of a dedicated inpatient youth treatment facility represents a significant gap in the local behavioral health infrastructure.
We are currently exploring the feasibility of establishing a youth-focused inpatient treatment center within the county.
This initiative aims to increase access to age-appropriate, evidence-based care closer to home—reducing the need for families to seek services outside the region. By identifying community needs, evaluating potential partnerships, and assessing resource requirements, we hope to lay the groundwork for a sustainable facility that can serve as a vital support system for youth across the region.
Have any ideas on what the Fentanyl Task Force should work on, or other feedback?
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