About Us

Who Are We?

The Sacramento County Opioid Coalition is a collaboration of healthcare professionals, community based organizations, law enforcement, county agencies, and concerned citizens determined to turn the tide of our local opioid epidemic. We are committed to saving lives by preventing overdoses through expanding treatment access, promoting safe disposal, encouraging early intervention, treatment and recovery, enhancing opioid surveillance, and expanding public education and media outreach.

What Does the Coalition Do?

The Sacramento County Opioid Coalition Members meet quarterly. Member feedback is crucial to the success of the coalition. During our meetings we discuss current projects, and future action. At each meeting we invite experts in their field to present and ignite discussion on emerging issues. Our Sub-Committees also meet and discuss their ongoing projects and plans.

Why Do We Need A Coalition?

Opioid Use Disorder affects everyone in Sacramento County. It will take all of us to make the difference. By gathering to discuss current issues, coordinating our goals, and making a collective plan we pool our expertise and resources into the most effective action. With our organizations working together, we have been able to make a much larger impact than if each individual organization had worked on their own.

Coalition Sub-Committees

Engaging the Medical Community and Overdose Prevention

  • Develop and adopt Safe Prescribing Guidelines for local emergency departments and primary care physicians to reduce the percentage of opioid naive patients that are prescribed opioids.
  • Research and promote availability of complementary pain management to healthcare insurers and providers.
  • Increase community access to Naloxone.

Early Intervention Treatment and Recovery

  • Expand referral network of treatment providers.
  • Increase the number of X-waivered physicians.
  • Increase availability of medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder.
  • Reduce stigma associated with opioid addiction.
  • Improve treatment/recovery outcomes by creating seamless transitions within levels of treatment.

Public Education and Media

  • Educate community members about the dangers of opioid misuse.
  • Develop online resources for the public, providers, and patients and their families to access opioid use disorder treatment and alternative pain therapies.
  • Conduct outreach to stakeholders and policymakers on the local, state, and national levels regarding opioid issues.

Safe Disposal

  • Educate the community on safe methods of medication. disposal to protect the environment and avoid undue harm to others. 
  • Participate and educate the public about the national DEA Drug Take-Back days.
  • Create and help to pass county ordinances for medication disposal.
2015
Beginnings

Sacramento County Prevention and Treatment Services began meeting in Fall 2015 to plan the launch of our coalition.

Data Shows Need for Action

Sacramento County Public Health developed Sacramento County Opioid Prescription Drug Monitoring Surveillance Report, a valuable assessment tool that catalyzed the formation of the coalition.

2016
The "Sacramento Opioid Task Force" forms
First SCOC Meeting

First coalition meeting was in February 2016 with approximately 80 stakeholders from multiple sectors represented.

2017
Received the California Department of Public Health Opioid Coalition Grant for 2017 - 2019.
Project: Safe Prescribing

Educated over 500 physicians on safe prescribing practices.

Project: Naloxone Distribution Kits

Through a grant from the California Department of Public Health, the county received 2,900 doses (1,450 2-dose kits) of Naloxone nasal spray, an opioid overdose reversal drug which was distributed to law enforcement, Harm Reduction Services (HRS), and Safer Alternatives thru Networking & Education (SANE).

Project: Early Intervention Promotion

Early intervention and treatment resource lists shared and distributed to 211 law enforcement, emergency departments, and community service providers.

Key Progress
Gathering Local Data
2018
"Sacramento County Opioid Task Force" name changed to "Sacramento County Opioid Coalition."
Promoting Alternative Pain Management

Distributed the “Got Pain, There is No Magic Pill” campaign flyers to provider offices and pharmacies.

Joined the California Opioid Safety Network Accelerator Program.
Launched Online Presence

Established social media presence by creating a website, Facebook, and Twitter account.

Began Partnership with Americorps Vista Program
Project: Medication - Assisted Treatment Sheet

Created a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) handout describing different FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder and MAT providers in Sacramento County.

Increased training on local treatment resources and educated various stakeholder groups on types of treatments available.
Sacramento Opioid Awareness Summit

The coalition collaborated with local government agencies, schools, and non-profits to organize the Sacramento Opioid Awareness Summit to launch a large-scale discussion on opioid use prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts.

2019
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Surveillance

The coalition initiates a project to improve surveillance on Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Babies exposed to opioids and drugs during their mother's pregnancy face a group of complications known as NAS. Gathering more data on the issue in our community will help us create an effective action plan. 

Safe Disposal Kiosks

The Coalition works with local businesses to place safe disposal kiosks. Safe disposal of medications and sharps protect our community from drug misuse and the spread of disease. 

2020
Anti-Stigma Campaign

The Coalition plans another Anti-Stigma Campaign to spread awareness of Opioid Use Disorder and knowledge of the real facts. 

2021
Control Your Pain, Don’t Let it Control You Poster Campaign

Posters distributed to local clinics and physician officers to raise awareness on alternative pain management options

Animated Public Service Ads Social Media Campaign

Coalition produced and disseminated prevention information on opioids, getting help, and the rising dangers of Fentanyl

Opioid Summit Educators Awareness

The Coalition works with the DEA to put on an educators awareness summit to increase opioid prevention in our local youth.

Narcan Access

The Coalition works with local school districts to increase Narcan availability in schools and get Narcan vending machines placed in the county.

MAT Pregnancy Program with Sacramento County and SSVMS

Coalition with a grant from Sacramento County, working with the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society gives free trainings to hospital systems, clinics, and physicians on Medication-Assisted Treatment for Pregnant women. 

Take a Look at the Media We Have Created

Flyers and Handouts