Health

945 Purple Flags Honor 2024 Overdose Victims as San Diego Marks 21% Decrease in Fatalities

| 4:45 PM

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Today, elected officials, public health and behavioral health experts, and law enforcement leaders all spoke about the danger of illicit drugs and counterfeit pills. They stressed the importance of prevention, intervention and action. Behind them, 945 purple flags flew representing each person who died in 2024 from a drug overdose.  

Health
02:13

Fighting the Fentanyl Overdose Epidemic

| 2:40 PM

Reading Time: < 1 minute

National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day is in August, and the County is dedicated to spreading the word on the dangers of fentanyl poisoning and the precautions that can be taken to prevent fentanyl overdose deaths. The County’s comprehensive Harm Reduction Strategy includes the distribution of lifesaving naloxone and fentanyl test strips to anyone who wants them.

Health
02:19

Public Health Nurse and Narcan Save a Life

| 11:53 AM

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The risk of an opioid overdose has increased significantly with the surge in illicit fentanyl. Public Health Nurse, Andrea Huerta, was working with a homeless outreach team when she suddenly needed to administer Naloxone to save someone in crisis.

Health
person holding photos of loved one02:20

International Overdose Awareness Day

| 3:48 PM

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The 1,300 purple flags placed in the Waterfront Park’s lawn illustrate a grim reality. Today, Aug. 31, is International Overdose Awareness Day. Each flag represents a life that was lost in 2022 to an overdose death here in San Diego County.

Health
Screen shot of TikTok "Come with me to get my free dose of Narcan Nasal Spray"

Youth Challenge Invites Submissions from Artistic San Diegans

| 2:47 PM

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Young San Diegans are invited to help raise awareness about opioid overdoses and the dangers of counterfeit and illicit opioids using their video and art skills.  

Health
02:00

First Naloxone Vending Machine Installed in San Diego County

| 12:30 PM

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The County has a new, groundbreaking resource to battle fatal opioid overdoses. A naloxone vending machine is now in operation at the McAlister South Bay Regional Recovery Center in Chula Vista and you don’t have to be a member of the Center to use it.

Health
Narcan nasal spray in a package01:39

VIDEO: County and Local Law Enforcement Hand Out Naloxone Kits to Save Lives

| 5:49 PM

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The County and Sheriff’s department announced the expansion of a partnership for the distribution of naloxone as part of a Comprehensive Harm Reduction Plan to help fight the illicit fentanyl crisis.