"When fentanyl came around, we started having a huge uptick in overdoses and deaths - even suicides," said Paul Moreno, president of Ironworkers Local 433 in Southern California. This alarming trend has prompted the union to engage in recovery meetings for its members, with increasingly noticeable participation. In 2022, these meetings began to draw a dozen attendees monthly, showcasing the dire need for support and intervention within the workforce as fentanyl-related issues escalate.
"I took Narcan classes. I passed out Narcan on the job sites. I never thought I'd be doing that," he said. His proactive approach not only protects workers but also emphasizes the need for training in overdose prevention and response. Despite feeling uncertain about how to help at times, Moreno's commitment to passing along resources, including the 988 mental health crisis hotline, reflects a vital shift toward awareness and proactive measures in addressing this crisis.
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