About the Coalition
Origins
In 2015, the Sacramento County Opioid Task Force was formed in response to concerns about opioid misuse seen across the nation and in the greater Sacramento area. With partners from Sacramento County, local non-profits, law enforcement, and community, the Task Force focused on physician education, prevention, and treatment. Over time, the Task Force transitioned into the Sacramento County Opioid Coalition.
Activities & Programs
As the Opioid Epidemic has shifted over time, so too has the work of the Sacramento County Opioid Coalition. The Coalition continues to train physicians and medical students on safe prescribing practices, medication-assisted treatment, and stigma reduction.
One of the primary activities of the Coalition is distribution of naloxone (Narcan) - a lifesaving medication that reverses opioid overdose.The Coalition also runs three other programs: naloxone and fentanyl awareness presentations, Hear to Heal support group, and the Gone Too Soon memorial campaign.
Coalition Meetings
The Coalition holds quarterly meetings to discuss current and future projects and provide updates to the community. These meetings also provide the opportunity for members to hear directly from experts in the field of substance use treatment and prevention, while providing a supportive space for guest speakers to share personal stories of lived experience.
The Sacramento County Opioid Coalition also organizes the annual Fentanyl Action & Awareness Summit. The Summit is a full-day event with expert speakers, lived experiences, diverse communities, and others to address the current opioid epidemic.