SBCBehavioralWellness
Empowerment of Community Health through Broad Community Distribution of Narcan
In a concerted effort to combat the rising toll of opioid overdoses and empower community health and safety, the County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness proudly continues the widespread distribution of Narcan (naloxone), a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.
With opioid-related fatalities continuing to challenge communities nationwide, and with the concern that presents with the upcoming unsanctioned Deltopia street festival in Isla Vista, the Behavioral Wellness Alcohol and Drug Division is partnering with the County Board of Supervisors to distribute 900 units of Narcan in Isla Vista prior to the event. Behavioral Wellness will also be participating in three Family Resource Fairs being offered countywide in April and will be providing Narcan kits to individuals and family members who attend.
“Last year during Deltopia, there was a tragic death from fentanyl of a promising student. One death is one too many and I’m committed to doing everything I can to keep our young people and community safe,” shares Second District Supervisor Laura Capps. “I’m thankful for the partnership with the County’s Behavioral Wellness Department, the Isla Vista Community Services District and UCSB’s Associated Students to distribute Narcan to households in Isla Vista. I encourage the public to join us and volunteer on April 2nd to help distribute this potentially life-saving resource.”
Behavioral Wellness recognizes the critical need for proactive measures to prevent loss of life. Through this community distribution effort, the Department aims to arm individuals, families, and the overall community with the necessary tools and knowledge to respond effectively to opioid overdoses, ultimately saving lives.
“Opioid overdoses represent a significant public health concern in our community,” said Melissa Wilkins, Behavioral Wellness Branch Chief of Alcohol and Drug Programs. “We believe that by equipping community members with Narcan, we can empower them to intervene quickly in overdose situations, providing vital support until emergency medical services arrive,” says Wilkins.
Narcan is a safe and effective medication that can reverse the effects of opioids, such as heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers, by rapidly restoring normal breathing to individuals experiencing an overdose.
Behavioral Wellness has been making Narcan available to community members since 2015 with the aim of reducing the number of opioid-related deaths and provide a lifeline to those struggling with a substance use disorder.
To volunteer with the distribution of Narcan kits on April 2nd during Deltopia, please sign up here right click and enter the link into a Google browser.
Behavioral Wellness encourages all residents to take advantage of this valuable resource and participate in Narcan training sessions offered throughout the community. For more information on Narcan distribution and local resources please visit here.
To learn more about County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness, please visit http://countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness. For assistance accessing Alcohol and Drug or Mental Health services, or if experiencing a behavioral health crisis, please call the 24/7 toll free Crisis Response and Services Access Line at (888) 868-1649.
