Natividad and the County of Monterey Health Department are hosting an Overdose Awareness Day event at Natividad in Salinas on Friday, August 30, at noon. The public is invited to attend.

International Overdose Awareness Day is a time to remember the lives lost and to find hope in the more than 20 million Americans recovering from substance use disorders, highlighting what is possible when people are given the care, treatment and support they need. This year’s theme is “Together we can,” underscoring the importance of coming together as an international community to create change.

“Overdose affects everyone,” said Natividad CEO Dr. Chad Harris. “The tragedy of an overdose can impact the lives of many, including those who suffer from its use to their family members and friends, to the health care workers who care for them.”

The County of Monterey Health Department will be on-site distributing free Narcan and fentanyl test strips.

“The County of Monterey’s health system, including Natividad and the Health Department’s Behavioral Health Bureau, Clinic Services Bureau, Emergency Medical Services Agency, and Public Health Bureau, reaffirms its commitment to overcoming this public health and safety crisis by raising awareness of substance use to help prevent stigmatization of addiction, promote effective treatments, celebrate those in recovery, and reinforce collective efforts to prevent future tragedies,” said County of Monterey Health Department Director Elsa Jimenez. “Our teams are dedicated to educating the community on drug overdose signs and symptoms, stimulating discussion on overdose prevention, providing available resources, hosting prevention activities within the community, and providing access to care and treatment services.”

On Tuesday, the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day. Following several years of decline, the number of opioid-related deaths in Monterey County has increased annually from 7 deaths in 2017 to 31 deaths in 2022.