Full Notification

The Cloverdale Police Department is issuing this public safety message to increase awareness of the dangers of fentanyl.   Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, and up to 50 times more potent than heroin. Even tiny doses, as little as two milligrams, the size of two grains of salt, is a fatal dose for most people especially for young people with no experience using opioids.

• Since 2017, Sonoma County has tracked more than 500 overdose deaths, including 173 in 2020. At least 70% of those deaths were linked to fentanyl, according to county data.
• From February to December in 2017, the opioid was present in 14 overdoses in Sonoma County. In 2018, fentanyl deaths rose to 31 and hovered around that number in 2019.
• In 2020, 111 deaths were linked to fentanyl, according to county records.

In February and March, the Cloverdale Police Department responded to three separate incidents involving adults and Fentanyl overdoses.  In each of these incidents, the officers were able to administer Naloxine (Narcan), a life-saving medication, to revive the individuals.  Naloxone is a medication that temporarily blocks the toxic effects of opioids or reverses an opioid overdose. More doses of naloxone are sometimes needed to reverse fentanyl overdoses, compared to other opioid overdoses, due to the potency of fentanyl.

Risk taking is a normal part of teen development and the police department wants the public to be aware that pills purchased through the internet or from friends carry unique risks. Be aware that counterfeit pills containing fentanyl can lead to fatal overdose at first exposure. 

If a person encounters someone that is suspected of overdose, they should immediately call 911.  Carrying naloxone can also be a life saving measure.

If you or someone you know needs help with an opioid or other type of substance use disorder, there are resources available to help.

Call (707) 565-7450 for substance use disorder treatment assessment and referral.

Web Resources:
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/health-and-human-services/health-services/opioids
http://www.daacinfo.org/
https://findtreatment.gov/
https://www.scihp.org/
Video: The Opioid Epidemic
https://vimeo.com/223498064