Gov. Gavin Newsom recently announced his administration’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis following a visit to the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
The Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis builds on Newsom’s $1 billion investment to tackle this crisis, according to the administration. This includes the expansion of California National Guard-supported operations that last year led to a 594% increase in seized fentanyl.
“Over 150 people die every day in our nation from overdoses and poisonings related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Enough. With this Master Plan, California is doubling down to combat this crisis and save lives. Our comprehensive approach will expand enforcement efforts to crack down on transnational criminal organizations trafficking this poison into our communities — while prioritizing harm reduction strategies to reduce overdoses and compassionately help those struggling with substance use and addiction.”
According to Newsom’s administration, the Master Plan aims to deepen the impact of its investments — including through a new CalRx effort where California will seek to manufacture its own opioid overdose reversal drug Naloxone. The governor announced an additional $96 million in funding in California’s proposed 2023-24 budget.
The breakdown for the additional funding in the state’s budget includes:
- $79 million for the Naloxone Distribution Project to meet increased demand and provide more Naloxone to communities than ever before;
- $10 million for grants for education, testing, recovery, and support services;
- $4 million to make fentanyl test strips more widely available; and
- $3.5 million in Prop 98 funding to provide overdose medication to all middle and high schools.
To learn more about Gov. Newsom’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis, visit https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fentanyl-Opioids-Glossy-Plan_3.20.23.pdf?emrc=86c07e
