Fighting Fentanyl

With the goal of reducing the use of drugs like fentanyl among the Latino community and preventing further overdose deaths, California health leaders are taking action to educate people about the dangers of opioids and launching an initiative to provide free access to naloxone and fentanyl testing through public vending machines, allowing people to save lives and access treatment when they need it most.

Jessica Mora-Ramírez, Chronic Disease Prevention Coordinator and Manager of Ethnic and Cultural Competence Services for the Department of Behavioral Health Quality Division, Monterey County, in Salinas, California, discusses the factors that make Latinos vulnerable and that influence fentanyl use. In some cases, people may not be aware of fentanyl, its dangers, or that they are taking it.

Jessica Mora-Ramírez says the most concerning thing is that people are not aware of the potential for overdosing, but they don’t know what to do.

Jessica Mora-Ramírez, Chronic Disease Prevention Coordinator and Manager of Ethnic and Cultural Competence Services for the Department of Behavioral Health’s Quality Division, Monterey County, comments that stigma is a barrier that prevents drug users from seeking help.

These are some of the factors that inhibit their access to medications and treatment, primarily the cost of health insurance.

Jessica Mora-Ramírez, Chronic Disease Prevention Coordinator and Manager of Ethnic and Cultural Competence Services for the Department of Behavioral Health’s Quality Division, Monterey County, Salinas, California, talks about a new effort to support migrant communities regarding the use of drugs containing fentanyl.

It reveals that Monterey County has installed Narcan vending machines, the life-saving drug for someone experiencing an overdose.

Cultural stigmas or behaviors are a barrier that affects the diagnosis and care of mental health problems.