VENTURA, Calif. – Today, the County of Ventura announced the launch of “Think Again”, a new countywide public awareness campaign to draw attention to the dangers of fentanyl and provide residents with the information and resources necessary to protect themselves and prevent overdoses.
Fentanyl poses a growing threat statewide and nationally, and Ventura County is not immune. “Think Again” provides localized statistics and life-saving information and resources to help residents take action. The campaign encourages residents to get educated, be aware, and save lives.
“To recreational drug users who are contemplating taking a pill or using a substance this Halloween, we ask you to “think again,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Community members must presume that each and every illicit drug is cut, laced, or adulterated with fentanyl. And that fentanyl will kill you.”
“Think Again” is an initiative of the Ventura County Community Overdose Awareness and Solutions Team (COAST), which is an interagency effort among the County of Ventura, cities, and local community organizations. Originally formed in 2018 to address the opioid crisis, collective collaboration and efforts remain at the heart of the work being done to educate and provide lifesaving resources to residents in Ventura County.
“With the COAST taskforce and the campaign that is kicking off today, we are working to bring the number of deaths down to what we want to see – which is zero,” shared 2nd District Supervisor Jeff Gorell. “This campaign provides life-saving information and brings together everyone across education, law enforcement, behavioral health and in our communities to get the word out that this is one of the most dangerous things that our community is or will face.”
“We are facing a critical challenge with fentanyl,” said Sheriff Jim Fryhoff. “I am grateful for this campaign because we need to make sure everybody is on the same playing field, that everybody has the information. Whether you think you’re impacted or not, community members need to share this information with family and with friends.”
To overcome the fentanyl epidemic as a community, it is important to address stigma and provide support resources to those in need, while also holding accountable the individuals responsible for distributing fentanyl.
“Fentanyl does not discriminate, stated Dr. Theresa Cho, Director of the Ventura County Health Care Agency and physician. “It can affect people from all walks of life. Addiction is a health issue and is not a moral failure. It is our responsibility to treat those with addiction and their loved ones with compassion and understanding.”
The “Think Again” awareness campaign will run throughout the county and includes educational materials in English and Spanish across multichannel platforms such as billboards and bus shelters, radio, and social media. All information to get educated, be aware, and save lives is located at www.ThinkAgainVC.com.
To view the press conference, please visit: “Think Again”: Fentanyl Awareness Campaign Press Conference October 22, 2024.
