California Department of Public Health (CDPH) continues to increase awareness about fentanyl and opioid overdose prevention to reduce stigma and protect the lives of Californians. These resources are designed to help educate your community about the severity of fentanyl and opioids and promote the importance of overdose prevention.
Learn more by visiting CDPH’s fentanyl information page. Discover more CDPH Communications Toolkits for additional toolks and resources.
Know how to recognize an opioid overdose and be ready with naloxone, the medication that can reverse an overdose. Naloxone is available without a prescription at pharmacies, convenience stores and grocery stores. It’s safe and easy to administer.
Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse an opioid overdose. Narcan, the brand name of naloxone, is available over-the-counter. You can buy it online and on shelves at your local pharmacies and other retailers without a prescription.
Using “person-first” language like “person with a substance use disorder,” focuses on the person, not their condition. Reducing stigma increases the likelihood that people will seek support.
Avoid mixing drugs with alcohol. Combining alcohol and drugs can increase your risk of overdose and cause severe damage to the brain, heart and other organs.
Fentanyl test strips can detect the presence of fentanyl in many kinds of drugs and drug forms like cocaine, pills and powder. Check with your student health center or community organizations that distribute them. You can also buy them from a local pharmacy or order online.
It’s difficult to have a conversation with someone you’re worried might have a problem with opioids or other substances, especially if it’s someone you’re close with. They may not be ready to talk but you can prepare to help when they are. Free, confidential, 24/7 support is available at 1-800-662-4357.
X/Bluesky:
Start a conversation with a roommate, teammate, classmate or friend that you’re worried might have a problem with opioids or other substances. Free, confidential, 24/7 support is available at 1-800-662-4357.
“Party drugs” can be addictive or harmful fake pills that look like prescribed pain relievers. Bring naloxone to parties, to reverse an opioid overdose. Check with student health services about naloxone availability.
X/Bluesky:
“Party drugs” can be addictive or harmful fake pills that look like prescribed pain relievers. Never take pills not prescribed to you. Bring naloxone to parties to save a life. Check with student health services about naloxone.
