To: County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Department of Health Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Nolan Sullivan, 707-565-4774; Jan Cobaleda-Kegler, 707-565-5157
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution proclaiming August 31, 2025 as Overdose Awareness Day in Sonoma County.
End
Executive Summary:
The Sonoma County Department of Health Services (hereinafter, “DHS” or “the Department”) is proposing that Overdose Awareness Day be proclaimed in the County on August 31st as it has been recognized internationally on that day for over 20 years. By adopting this resolution, Sonoma County joins the world’s campaign to end overdose, remember those who have died, and support those who have lost loved ones to an overdose. DHS is also committed to supporting those who continue to struggle with addiction and mental health disorders without stigma as an important goal of Overdose Awareness Day.
Discussion:
The community recognizes that those affected by overdose are not just those suffering from addiction. Many people have friends or family that have been taken from them by overdose and this day of remembrance allows us to advocate for those without a voice.
DHS has engaged with numerous community partners to educate and inform the public on the risks of substance use and the potential to overdose on illicit drugs that are becoming increasingly more available. Continued support from the community and the County of Sonoma is necessary to promote healthy living and reduce the stigma associated with overdoses and substance use to incentivize those affected to seek treatment and preventative measures.
Sonoma County ranked 27th* among counties in California for opioid-related overdose deaths, and every year there are, on average, 127 deaths in Sonoma County due to accidental drug overdose (2021-2023 average). Additionally, on average, there are 563 emergency department visits for accidental drug overdose among Sonoma County residents (2020-2022 average). In 2023, 76 percent of overdose deaths were opioid-related, and 90 percent of those deaths were fentanyl-involved. As many as 1 in 4 people who are taking prescription opioid long term obtained from their primary care provider struggle with physical and/or psychological dependence.
This day of remembrance is an opportunity to expand awareness and support the populations of Sonoma County who are disproportionately affected by substance misuse and overdose perennially.
*Source: CDPH, California Comprehensive Death File, 2016-2023 with preliminary 2024 data
Prior Board Actions:
Most recently, on August 15, 2023 the Board adopted a resolution proclaiming August 31, 2023 as Overdose Awareness Day in Sonoma County.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
N/A
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Resolution
Attachment 2 - Overdose Awareness Day Event Flyer
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None