SW Riverside News

The California Fentanyl Task Force has been officially established following the signing of SB 19 into law. The legislation aims to mobilize state and local resources to combat the multifaceted fentanyl crisis by identifying and evaluating effective strategies.

"The task force will mobilize state and local resources to identify and evaluate which strategies will give our communities the best results in combating the multi-faceted fentanyl crisis," said a spokesperson. The task force's scope includes public education, treatment options, preventative measures, and improving public safety.

Membership will comprise healthcare workers, law enforcement officials, public health agencies, and other stakeholders. "Bringing together groups of professionals that are on the front lines of the fentanyl epidemic will be invaluable in the fight against it," added the spokesperson.

The initiative aims to equip communities with necessary tools for safety and accountability in addressing those involved in manufacturing and distributing fentanyl. "If we can succeed in getting the resources necessary to respond, we can bring this epidemic under control."

In 2020 alone, California reported nearly 4,000 deaths related to fentanyl overdose. By 2021, fentanyl overdose had become recognized as the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 45.

Previous legislative attempts to address various aspects of the fentanyl crisis have not yielded concrete solutions. Last year, Senator Seyarto introduced a similar bill while serving as an Assemblymember; however, it did not advance past committee stages. Reintroducing it this session was deemed critical to avoid further delays in tackling this issue.

SB 19 passed through the legislature with bipartisan support and no opposition.

"Thank you for this opportunity to be of service," concluded a statement from one of its proponents.