Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a no-cost Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Monterey-Salinas Transit District, a special district (MST), authorizing the installation of two (2) naloxone and fentanyl test strip vending machines, at no cost to the user, at the Salinas and Marina transit centers, for a term effective upon execution through October 31, 2026 for a total MOU amount of zero dollars; and
b. Approve the recommendation of the Director of Health Services to accept all non-standard provisions in the Agreement.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a no-cost Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Monterey-Salinas Transit District, a special district (MST), authorizing the installation of two (2) naloxone and fentanyl test strip vending machines, at no cost to the user, at the Salinas and Marina transit centers, for a term effective upon execution through October 31, 2026 for a total MOU amount of zero dollars; and
b. Approve the recommendation of the Director of Health Services to accept all non-standard provisions in the Agreement.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Overdose deaths, particularly those involving fentanyl, continue to rise both nationally and locally. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid often mixed with other substances, significantly increases the risk of unintentional overdoses. In response, the County of Monterey Health Department is launching new harm reduction efforts aimed at addressing this growing crisis, with a focus on expanding the availability of naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.
Building on previous initiatives, this new effort includes a key partnership with Monterey-Salinas Transit District to increase access to naloxone and fentanyl test strips in critical areas. Two of four planned vending machines will be installed at trans...
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