The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has initiated a Harm Reduction Program to help Long Beach residents mitigate risks to their health when taking recreational drugs. This program is rooted in harm reduction principles, which focus on minimizing the adverse consequences of substance use.
Under the new program, the City will provide participants with naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, a medication crucial for reversing opioid overdoses, as well as testing strips for detecting fentanyl and xylazine.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid significantly more potent than heroin and morphine, has been a significant contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in California and across the nation.
According to the nonprofit National Safety Council, fentanyl and closely-related opioids contributed to 67,325 preventable deaths in 2021, a 26% increase from 53,480 total in 2020. Narcan can counteract the effects of fentanyl when administered correctly.
Xylazine, known colloquially as tranq, is a tranquilizer intended for treating animals but has increasingly been detected in illegal drugs in the U.S., contributing to overdose deaths.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, deaths involving Xylazine increased by 35 times higher from 2018 to 2021. While Narcan is ineffective against xylazine, test strips can identify its presence in recreational drugs.
Residents seeking these resources can access them by completing a request form through the Long Beach Health Department.
Local community organizations can also obtain fentanyl and xylazine test strips through the program. Organizations can also request Narcan through the California Department of Health Care Services’ Naloxone Distribution Project webpage.
For more information on harm reduction strategies and to order supplies, visit the Health Department’s Harm Reduction Program webpage.
Last year, the Health Department received funding from legal settlements made by large drug companies in order to mitigate the impact of the opioid epidemic in Long Beach.
With these funds, the Health Department is working to reduce negative outcomes associated with substance use through educational opportunities, harm reduction techniques, addiction treatment and more.