Around 12 people per month die from drug-related overdoses in Sonoma County, California, with many of these deaths being linked to drugs laced with fentanyl. New funding of $5 million has been allocated to the county in order to help address this issue and tackle some of the specific aspects contributing to the county’s opioid crisis.
Breaking down the $5M allocation
The $5 million in funding was approved by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to be allocated to three organizations in the area. These organizations submitted proposals detailing how this money would improve their ability to address the opioid crisis in the county. [1]
So far, Sonoma County has received $14 million, with additional funds expected in the coming years. The county is required to use this money specifically on strategies to manage opioid use issues in the area.
The funds have been allocated from a National Settlement, an agreement made with opioid manufacturers, such as Johnson & Johnson, Cardinal Health, and McKesson. Billions of dollars of funding have been agreed and awarded by these manufacturers across the country, due to their actions that have contributed to the current opioid crisis. [2]
What services will expand and who benefits
The $5 million allocated to Sonoma County is being awarded to three local organizations: [1]
- Buckelew Recovery Residences: $3,873,235
- West County Health Centers: $637,365
- Drug Abuse Alternatives Center: $489,400
Buckelew’s Sonoma County Housing for Hope proposal will add 68 more beds across four residences to help address gaps in care, particularly for people of color, men, men with children, and those with severe SUD issues.
West County Health Centers’ Lower Russian River Opioid Prevention and Harm Reduction Initiative proposal focuses on improving prevention and harm reduction services in the West County area. The organization will provide increased services such as education and social media campaigns, mentoring programs, fentanyl test strips, and distribution of Narcan (naloxone).
Drug Abuse Alternatives Center’s Wellness on Wheels Program Expansion proposal will increase access to necessary services and focus on key demographics, including adolescents, people of color, and men with children. The program expansion will include school education, increased distribution of treatment medications and overdose medications such as naloxone, improved access to treatments for substance use disorders and disease care, and syringe exchange programs.
Why Sonoma County is investing in addiction recovery
Like much of the United States, opioid-related overdoses and deaths are prevalent in Sonoma County. In the county, 12 deaths per month are associated with drug overdoses, making it the third highest prevalence in the Bay Area. [1] The county also experiences disproportionate numbers of deaths among Black, Latinx, and multiracial residents, and three times as many men die from opioid-related overdose deaths as women. [1]
Due to these figures and the increasing occurrence of fentanyl-laced opioids in the county, the region is attempting to address its opioid crisis by filling treatment gaps and increasing access to necessary education, treatment, and harm reduction strategies.
Expected impact and future plans
These plans aim to help accelerate progress toward ending or reducing the impact of opioid issues in Sonoma County. The county plans to use these funds to address multiple aspects of the issue, helping to prevent and treat opioid-related overdoses, improving education and understanding of harm reduction, and reducing housing-related issues contributing to drug use.
For example, in Sonoma County, 1% of the population experiences homelessness, but this group experiences 10% of the county’s overdose deaths. [1] As such, providing residential treatments can help to reduce these numbers. Studies show that safe and supportive housing has a significantly positive impact on treatment engagement and retention and improves outcomes. [3][4]
A further $9.1 million is available to Sonoma County from the settlement funding, for which proposals will be written and submitted in the upcoming months. The county intends to use these funds to provide effective and long-standing support services to its residents. [1]
How residents can access help
Residents of Sonoma County can access substance use disorder services in the area. The county’s government website provides information about available service options and a directory of local providers serving residents of the county.
Sonoma County provides phone contact, including:
- A 24-hour access line on 707-565-6900 or 800-870-8786
- Mobile crisis services on 1-800-746-8181
- Peer warmline on 1-855-845-7415
Services in the area include:
- Orenda Center Withdrawal Management Services, which offer 3-5 days of 24/7 withdrawal support and a sobering bed for 4-6 hours for first responders to utilize.
- The Lakes SUD Outpatient Program offers a range of SUD treatments for adults requiring outpatient support.
- Youth SUD Treatment for people up to the age of 18.
- Adult SUD Treatment, including a range of residential and outpatient programs.
- Driving Under the Influence Program, which works with the court to provide services to DUI offenders.
- Group support meetings, including Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous
Residents of Sonoma County can also meet with their primary care physician to discuss their substance use issues and receive advice and signposting to appropriate services.
In an emergency, call 911.
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