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Editor’s note: The 34th Annual Red Ribbon Run & Festival, a campaign that encourages kids and families to live drug free, takes place Oct. 19 from 8-11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building in Hollister.
The San Benito County Health & Human Services Agency expects to receive $85,000 to $200,000 over the next 10 years after being part of a nationwide lawsuit against pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies for their distribution of opioid medications.
The agency’s Opioid Task Force said the targets of the lawsuit were responsible for the the opioid epidemic.
“San Benito County and other governmental entities brought lawsuits against pharmaceutical and drug distribution companies that have fueled the Opioid crisis. The lawsuits allege that these companies fueled the opioid crisis by marketing opioids in misleading ways, downplaying risks, exaggerating benefits, and engaging in reckless distribution practices.”
Companies sued include Allergen, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), Teva, Walmart, Walgreen and CVS.
Before deciding how to use the funds, SBC Public Health and Behavioral Health asked for public input to decide how the money would be spent. In an online meeting with BenitoLink, Mary White of Public Health and Elizabeth Lopez and Dana Edgull of Behavioral Health discussed the survey and the plans going forward.
The survey went to 100 residents from various walks of life who were asked about the best use of funds. Residents were asked how the money should be targeted, their connection to the county, and whether they had personal experience with the opioid crisis.
Where the money will go:
1.Prevention
2.Treatmemt and recovery
3.Harm reduction
4.Criminal Justice
Lopez said that the money will help abait the crisis provide assistance with substance abuse disorder currently available from SBC Behavioral Health. White, a pharmacist with Public Health, added that the use of Naloxone (Narcan), the drug used to reverse opioid overdose ,is available to purchase over the counter in most pharmacies, and free from the county at several locations including Naloxone pickup boxes.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), naloxone is an opioid antagonist and works by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain, reversing and blocking the effects of other opioids. White added that Naloxone should be administered if opioid overdose is suspected. If the cause of unconsiousness or other symptoms not caused by opioids, the naloxone will have no side effects and is harmless.
Naloxone pickup:
24/7 access
Youth Recovery Connections—721 Monterey St Hollister
Sunstreet Center—335 6th Street, Hollister
Community Food Bank of San Benito—1133 San Felipe Rd, Hollister
San Juan Bautista Library—801 2nd St, San Juan Bautista
Esperanza Center—544 San Benito Street, Suite 102, Hollister
Briggs Building (coming soon)—365 4th St, Hollister See more on Naloxone here.
Upcoming events:
1. 34th Annual Red Ribbon Run & Festival Oct. 19 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Hollister. There will be resource booths, entertainment, food, raffles and prizes. The event kicks off locally the national Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31) campaign that encourages kids and families to live drug free.
2. Film Screening of “Fentanyl High.”
Community Film Screening & Panel Discussion
Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 6 p.m.
Hollister High School Auditorium, 1220 Monterey St, Hollister.
This is a free family and community awareness event to learn more about the fentanyl crisis affecting our community and nation. The evening will include a screening of the documentary, “Fentanyl High” and a panel of speakers who will share their varied experiences.
For more information on opioid and other substance abuse contact San Benito County Public Health 831-637-5367
For help with substance abuse contact:
San Benito County Behavioral Health 831-636-4020
Sun Street Centers 831-265-7317
Youth Recovery Connections 831-313-0779
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