Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a no-cost Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with City of Soledad, authorizing the installation of one (1) naloxone and fentanyl test strip vending machine at the City of Soledad Fire Station, for a term effective upon execution through October 31, 2029, with no fiscal provisions; and
b. Approve the recommendation of Director of Health Services to accept all non-standard provisions in 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 City of Soledad, authorizing the installation of one (1) naloxone and fentanyl test strip vending machine at the City of Soledad Fire Station, for a term effective upon execution through October 31, 2029, with no fiscal provisions; and
b. Approve the recommendation of Director of Health Services to accept all non-standard provisions in Agreement.
SUMMARY:
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.
DISCUSSION:
Building on previous initiatives, this new effort includes a key partnership with the City of Soledad to increase access to naloxone and fentanyl test strips in critical areas. One of nine planned vending machines will be installed at The City of Soledad Fire Station at 525 Monterey Street, while the other machines will be strategically placed in areas with high rates of opioid use and overdoses. These vending machines will dispense free na...
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