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Opioid Awareness

Narcan Saves Lives – Protecting Our Kern County Youth

Opioid use continues to be a growing threat in Kern County. In 2021, over 190 opioid-related overdose deaths were reported, affecting youth as young as 14. The California Department of Public Health has issued an alert about “Rainbow Fentanyl,” a highly potent and deadly synthetic opioid made to look like colorful candy, pills, or chalk. Even a tiny amount can be fatal.

To help combat this crisis, the Wasco Union High School District, in partnership with the Kern Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Drug-Free Program, is committed to raising awareness and saving lives. All school sites are now equipped with Narcan (naloxone), a life-saving nasal spray that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in minutes.

This initiative is made possible through the California Department of Health Care Services Naloxone Distribution Project and our local health partnerships.

What You Need to Know About Opioid Overdose:

Signs of overdose include:

  • Slow or no breathing
  • Blue lips or fingertips
  • Limp body or unconsciousness
  • Choking or gurgling sounds
  • Tiny, constricted “pinpoint” pupils

Talk With Your Children:

  • Be open and honest
  • Explain that fake pills can contain deadly fentanyl.
  • Never take a pill not directly prescribed by a doctor.
  • Social media is not a reliable source for medical information.
  • Help them plan how to say no or exit unsafe situations.
  • Let them know fentanyl is being found in almost all illegal street drugs

Local Free Narcan Access Points 

The Wasco Branch Library, part of the Kern County Library system, offers free Narcan kits to the public. This initiative is in partnership with Kern Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (KernBHRS). Library staff have been trained to distribute Narcan and provide brief instructions on its use.

  • Address: 1102 7th St, Wasco, CA 93280
  • Phone: (661) 758-2114
  • Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Clarvida provides outpatient mental health and substance use disorder services in Wasco. While their website doesn't explicitly mention Narcan distribution, such facilities often have access to harm reduction resources. It's advisable to contact them directly to inquire about Narcan availability.

  • Address: 930 F St, Wasco, CA 93280
  • Phone: (661) 674-3378

The Kern County Public Health Mobile Health Clinic offers free Narcan kits and training during its visits to communities, including Wasco. Residents can receive a brief training session and a Narcan kit during these events.

  • Contact: (661) 321-3000
  • Website: Kern County Public Health

To learn more, please visit the links below

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