Shasta County's Rising Fentanyl Problem
Shasta Substance Use Coalition
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80-100 times stronger than morphine.
Pharmaceutical Fentanyl was originally created for cancer and surgical patients to help with severe pain. It continues to have legitimate medical uses.
Illicitly manufactured Fentanyl (IMF) is developed outside of a medical factory in unregulated conditions. It is responsible for the vast majority of Fentanyl related deaths.
Fentanyl is on the black market in different forms, including liquid and powder.
- CDC
Where is Fentanyl found?
Fentanyl is commonly mixed with drugs like Heroin, Cocaine, and Meth and made into pills that look like other prescription opioids.
Fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs are contaminated with Fentanyl.
Fentanyl is tasteless and odorless.
- CDC
1999-2020 National Drug-Involved Overdose Deaths
*Sourced from CDC Wonder Online Database
2019-2021 Drug-Involved Overdose Deaths In Shasta County (Animation)
Opioid Overdose Incidents in Shasta County
(Pictured - Redding I5 corridor)
In Shasta County, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) gave Narcan (Naloxone) to 1,114 individuals during 2019-2023 to counter the effects of opioid overdose.
Opioid Overdoses by Year
- From 2019 to 2020, suspected opioid overdose incidents where Narcan was administered by EMS increased by 37%.
- From 2020 to 2021, suspected opioid overdose incidents where Narcan was administered increased by 125%.
- From 2021 to 2022, suspected opioid overdose incidents where Narcan was administered increased by 11% and remained consistent for 2023.
Opioid Overdoses by Age Groups
- Those in the 25-34 age group had the highest amount of opioid overdose incidents every year.
Fentanyl and Other Opioid Overdose Deaths (2018-2023)
(Pictured - Redding I5 corridor)
- Fentanyl deaths: 165
- Other Opioid deaths: 59
There were a small number of overdose deaths located outside of the scope of this map but were still within Shasta County.
From 2019 to 2023, Fentanyl overdoses resulting in death increased by 625%.
Fentanyl accounted for 76% of all opioid-related deaths. Those in the age group of 25-34 had the highest number of overdose deaths resulting from Fentanyl.
Fentanyl Facts
This video illustrates the important differences between medical-grade and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, the danger of fentanyl contaminating other illicit drugs, the importance of having Narcan available, and more.
Talk with Your Children About the Dangers of Fentanyl
Families share how the people closest to them have died of fentanyl overdose. Many thought they were taking prescription painkillers such as oxycodone or Percocet. The video highlights the need for conversations around fentanyl to start happening in the home.
Learn to Use and Carry Narcan
Opioid overdose is the leading cause of accidental deaths in the United States. During opioid overdose emergencies, every second counts. Brain damage and death can occur in just 4-6 minutes without breathing and it takes an average of 7 minutes for EMS to arrive in a suburban setting. Narcan nasal spray has been around for 50 years. It's used by first responders and was designed to be used at home without the need for any medical training. Learn how to reverse an opioid overdose with this life-saving treatment before it's too late.
Access Free Narcan
Call or Text
530-524-8178
Shasta County Syringe Services Program
530-225-5591 or 530-225-5621
Visit Any Major Pharmacy
Narcan is FREE with insurance, no prescription required
Opioid Use Services and Treatment - for Shasta County*
Mercy Bridge Program (Redding)
530-225-7512 or 530-524-8178
Aegis Treatment Centers (Redding)
530-222-7213
Churn Creek Healthcare (Redding)
530-768-2436
Bright Heart Health (Virtual)
800-892-2695
Groups Recover Together (Redding/Virtual)
530-269-8803
Hill Country Health and Wellness (Redding/Round Mountain)
530-691-4446 Ext. 6213
Recover (Virtual)
858-208-0121
Shasta Community Health Centers (Redding/Anderson/Shasta Lake)
530-646-3993
Pit River Health Service Behavioral Health (Burney)
530-335-0340
Mountain Valleys Health Centers (Burney/Fall River)
(Burney) 530-999-9030
(Fall River) 530-999-9020
Shasta County Syringe Services Program
530-225-5591 or 530-225-5621
Raven Hoopes, Harm Reduction Specialist
Call or text: 530-238-7888
HOPE Van - Message line
530-246-5765
*Medi-Cal beneficiaries can be screened and connected to a treatment provider by calling Beacon Health Options at (855) 765-9703, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
