Marin Initiative Takes Aim At Fentanyl Crisis

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Marin has launched a new initiative that aims to reduce drug overdoses, county officials said Monday in a news release.

OD Free Marin was formed through a collaboration between county staff and community partners as rebranding of a group formerly known as RX Safe Marin.

Education, Narcan distribution and drug counseling are among the group’s top stated priorities.

Marin has seen fatal overdoses and drug poisonings double over past three years and are the leading cause of accidental death, county officials said.

On average, there is more than one fatal overdose or drug poisoning each week in Marin and two nonfatal overdoses each day.

This trend is mainly driven by increased use of fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid typically manufactured abroad and often mixed with other illicit drugs, particularly pills and powders.

In 2021, 57 percent of Marin’s 65 fatal overdoses were linked to fentanyl, county officials said.

Health authorities are especially concerned about deaths that have occurred among teens who unwittingly take fake prescription drugs laced with fentanyl.

Three out of four fentanyl-related deaths in Marin involved another substance.

“The nature of the local opioid crisis has shifted from prescription opioids to fentanyl,” Marin County Public Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis said in a statement.

“We need to build on our success in tackling prescription drug misuse to meet an even greater challenge. New very potent opioids are flooding the illicit market, and we’re seeing more overdoses in every community in Marin. It’s time to take action together.”

The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services in November held an overdose prevention summit that included more than 150 participants.

“We are encouraged by the unity of our community to tackle this complex crisis,” said Niccore Tyler, who serves as Marin HHS’ chief assistant director and chief strategy officer.

“We all have ample opportunity to influence the lives of people at risk, and we hope our educational information is shared broadly with families, friends, and colleagues. Our main goal is simple and achievable: fewer overdoses and accidental poisonings in 2023. OD Free Marin will build on its past success, create new strategies, and meet this challenge.”

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