DHCS Launches Life-Saving Initiative: Free Fentanyl Test Strips to Curb Statewide Overdoses

By: Lesley McClurg Public health officials in Marin County are now tracking illicit drugs in local wastewater — everything from nicotine to methamphetamine and fentanyl. Testing sewer water can illustrate exactly what is “hot” and where, offering a more accurate picture of the drug crisis than simply counting overdoses. “We know now that our clinical…

NBC 4 | December 27, 2022 A new law that takes effect Jan. 1, 2023 aims to reduce opioid-related overdoses and deaths at public colleges and universities in California.   The Campus Opioid Safety Act Senate Bill 367 requires the California Department of Public Health to provide updated life-saving education and federally approved opioid overdose reversal medication –…

KCRA Staff California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on Tuesday a multi-state proposed settlement with Walmart to resolve allegations that the company helped fuel the opioid crisis by failing to oversee its pharmacies. California is expected to get about $265 million of the $3.1 billion settlement. The majority of the money will be used to…

California Medical Association The Medical Board of California recently published a long-awaited update to its opioid prescribing guidelines, which will make it easier for patients to get the care they need while maintaining appropriate safeguards. Importantly, the medical board has clarified that the guidelines are not intended to replace a physician’s clinical judgment and individualized, patient-centered…