California's fentanyl crisis shows signs of improvement, with a noted 16% decrease in opioid-related fatalities in early 2024 compared to 2023. Experts credit harm reduction strategies, such as increased access to naloxone, for this progress. However, funding cuts enacted by the federal government, which eliminate crucial harm reduction grants, pose a significant risk. Officials indicate these cuts come at a pivotal moment when overdose rates are finally declining. Concurrently, California also pursues tougher penalties against drug offenses, reflecting a dual approach to a complex public health issue.
Just as we're making progress on overdose numbers, now is not the time to divest.
An emphasis on harm reduction, including increased availability of the overdose reversal drug naloxone and fentanyl testing kits, was behind the improvement.
Californians voted to pass Proposition 36 during the last election cycle, imposing stricter penalties for repeat theft and crimes involving fentanyl.
Fatal opioid overdoses in the state have finally receded from record highs, with around 6,700 deaths recorded in the first half of 2024.
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