Health Organizations Distribute Fentanyl Test Strips and Narcan in ... - WEHO TIMES

the Institute for Public Strategies' West Hollywood Project joined activists and members of health organizations like Being Alive Los Angeles, LGBT Center's Trans Wellness Center, AHF, The Wall Las Memories  APLA Health, Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (LA CADA), and Los Angeles Department of Public Health to distribute overdose prevention information and resources along with life-saving Fentanyl Test Strips and Naloxone nasal sprays. The group gathered for an evening of engaging with the public to discuss the dangers of drug use on National Meth Awareness Day, on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at West Hollywood Park facing Robertson Boulevard (Next to The Abbey Food & Bar).

The West Hollywood Project recognized National Meth Awareness by hosting two events, one in Silverlake (at Akbar, located at 4356 Sunset Blvd), and the other at West Hollywood Park at 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard (picnic area near Robertson Boulevard), beginning at 7:30 p.m. (there is an additional event at Stache WeHo, 8941 Santa Monica Blvd.)

Volunteers set up two tables to and offered resources on drug addiction and provided information on harm reduction, along with tools individuals could use for themselves or offer to a friend.

"We're engaging the community and giving away free fentanyl test strips and Narcan for education and to raise awareness, "said Daniel Ruiz of West Hollywood's Institute of Public Strategies "We are also offering condoms and lube and we also have other organizations here that are part of the coalition."

Daniel Ruiz

"I'm out here with APLA Health, and not only are we providing the Narcan and the test strips, but we're also out here as a resource," said Luckie Alexander, "I'm also working with the Trans Wellness Center, so if anyone comes out here and needs other services, especially our trans folks, I'm providing those services and giving them contact information. We just ask them if they want the Narcan or the test strips and a lot of folks are really responding. We know those folks are going to be safe and live another day. This is about harm reduction, having access to these things and knowing what to do with it. Folks really appreciated."

Luckie Alexander

Alexander added that there this was a judgment-free space and that they weren't telling anyone to stop doing drugs, but to help them take better care of themselves.

The West Hollywood Project is an ongoing, centralized effort to help promote Alcohol and Drug (AOD) Free events, activities and civic opportunities in the West Hollywood area. They promote specific events such as #SIZZLE! at LA Pride and #BOOM!, the annual New Year's Eve event in West Hollywood. The West Hollywood Project is a Project of the Institute for Public Strategies and funded by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Substance Abuse Prevention and Control.

A national survey found one out of six young adults has used illicit drugs in the last month. Brain scientists now know why just one use of crystal meth (methamphetamine) can make a person feel hooked.

The National Meth Awareness day is an effort to send a prevention message to potential meth users. It also gets the message out about available programs to current users. In some parts of the country, meth use is increasing while in others it continues to rise.

Part of the reason meth is so addictive is it increases the amount of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine occurs naturally in our brains. It affects our body's reward centers as well as our movement, motivation, and reinforcement. It's the impact on this area of the brain that makes methamphetamine so addictive.

Beyond the short-term effects of alertness, increased physical activity, reduced or no appetite, rapid heart rate and increased blood pressure, continued use of methamphetamine has long-term health effects.

risk of diseases transmitted through needles
addiction
extreme weight loss
dental problems including tooth loss and gum disease
sleeping disorders
memory loss
anxiety
skin issues
hallucinations
paranoia

However, there is help. Visit Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA) to learn about the referral program. It's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The page is full of resources for adults, teens, and family members. There, you can find support for yourself and others who may be facing addiction. There is a way out and a life after addiction. Visit the helpline at: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline.

In a proclamation signed by President George W. Bush in 2006, November 30th was set forth as National Meth Awareness Day. The observance serves two purposes. First, it aims to reach potential users with prevention methods. Second, the day increases awareness of programs and services available to current users.

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