Recent data from Marin County Public Health show that the county is on track for another record year for overdose deaths, placing Marin in step with patterns across the region and state. The trend is directly tied to the increased availability and use of the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl[External].
This event is set for 4 p.m. Tuesday, November 15, in San Rafael.
In response to the growing crisis, Public Health and the RxSafe Marin[External] coalition are hosting a gathering of agencies, community members, parents, and school leadership to end preventable overdoses in Marin.
The Marin County Overdose Prevention Summit is scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday, November 15, at Embassy Suites in San Rafael (101 McInnis Parkway). Online registration is open[External] for this free event. Space is limited.
Attendees will be updated by Marin leaders on the overdose epidemic, as well as help shape 2023’s goals in five breakout sessions: Education and Outreach, Youth Action Team, Justice System, Health Equity, and Intervention, Treatment and Recovery. Attendees will be invited to partner with one of these action teams after the event. Speakers with lived experience are scheduled to reinforce the human impact of the epidemic and the experience of recovery.
“Together we will set an agenda for a countywide action to flatten the curve on overdose deaths,” said Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County Public Health Officer and a scheduled speaker at the summit.
The number of Marin overdose deaths has climbed annually though the COVID-19 pandemic and has more than doubled since 2018. The trend is driven primarily by fentanyl, an illicit opioid that is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl is often used to spike other illicit drugs. Combining fentanyl with prescription medicines or other opioids make existing drug more lethal.
Face coverings will be optional at the summit. Light refreshments will be provided, and hotel parking is free and plentiful. Questions may be directed to info@rxsafemarin.org.
