California Campuses Take a Vital Step: Now Offering Fentanyl Test Strips for Overdose Prevention

In a crucial move to address the escalating opioid crisis in California, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 461 into law, mandating the availability of fentanyl testing strips at California State Universities and Community College campuses' health centers. This groundbreaking legislation is part of a broader effort to save lives and curb the alarming surge in opioid fatalities, particularly among young people.

As per Riverside County Overdose to Action's (RODA) data, the first five months of 2023 have already witnessed 208 unintentional overdoses related to fentanyl in Riverside County. The stark reality is further underscored by San Bernardino County's tragic statistics, which reported 354 fentanyl overdose deaths in 2021.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is known for its extreme potency, being 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. While it is medically approved for managing severe pain, the rise of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl has made it easier for individuals to unwittingly consume this life-threatening substance.

Assemblymember James Ramos (D-San Bernardino), a member of the Assembly Select Committee on Fentanyl, Opioid Addiction, and Overdose Prevention, stated, "One out of every five California youth aged 15 to 24 who died in 2021 were killed by a fentanyl overdose – either through the actual fentanyl use or by consuming another drug laced with fentanyl."

The legislation aims to reach the roughly two million students attending California's 116 community colleges annually and the nearly 458,000 students across 23 California State Universities. By providing fentanyl testing strips, this law promises to have a significant impact on reducing overdose incidents.

Juan Landeros-Tavera, a program coordinator for Riverside County Public Health, underscores the importance of harm reduction strategies. By offering tools like fentanyl testing strips and Naloxone (Narcan), the goal is to empower individuals to use substances responsibly and take away the guesswork associated with fentanyl use.

In addition to campus initiatives, organizations such as Inland Empire Harm Reduction, Desert AIDS, and Neighborhood Healthcare are actively engaged in educating the public about harm reduction, offering clean needles, and distributing fentanyl testing strips.

These strips are easy to use, similar to COVID-19 tests, and provide clear results. They identify the presence of fentanyl in substances, allowing individuals to make informed choices about their health.

The legislation also acknowledges the emergence of xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, in California's drug supply. Some organizations are now offering xylazine testing strips to address this concern, although the California Department of Public Health reports that there is no widespread evidence of xylazine in the drug supply.

The message is clear: California is taking decisive steps to combat the opioid crisis, with a particular focus on its youth population. This legislation offers hope and practical tools to reduce the devastating impact of fentanyl-related overdoses, underlining the state's commitment to the health and well-being of its residents.

For those seeking assistance or information related to substance abuse disorders, resources are available through RODA and San Bernardino County's Opioid Response Initiative.

This article is published as part of the Commonwealth Health Equity Reporting Fellowship, showcasing California's proactive approach to a complex and urgent issue.