Fentanyl is a powerful, fast-acting opioid that increases the risk of overdose. Very often, it is mixed in with other drugs, such as heroin, coke, crack, and pressed pills, and is very difficult to detect. As a result, fentanyl in illicit drugs changes the landscape of opioid overdose dramatically.
Opioids are currently the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States. During an overdose, breathing can be dangerously slowed or stopped, causing brain damage or death. You don't have to be a medical professional to identify the signs or help, the important thing is to act quickly.
Many overdose deaths are preventable, yet people often fear arrest if they call 9-1-1 for help at the scene of a drug overdose. AB 472, California’s Good Samaritan law provides limited protections from arrest, charge, and/or prosecution for people seeking emergency medical assistance at the scene of a suspected drug overdose.
Available without a physician's prescription, Naloxone (brand name: Narcan) is a safe and effective medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose. Due to its lifesaving abilities, access to Naloxone is crucial. It is STRONGLY recommended that all family, friends, people who use drugs, and first responders are trained to recornize and respond to an overdose with naloxone.
As part of the Wraparound team, the PHN provides services for the youth in collaboration with Probation, Behavioral/Mental Health departments. The PHN works towards identifying the health-related needs of the clients and their families. Using a strengths-based approach, the PHN also provides community resources to clients as needed.
The Public Health Nurses (PHNs) with the Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care (HCPCFC) assist in the case coordination of children in out of home placement/foster care. The PHNs collaborate with the child's social worker/probation officer to plan and coordinate health services.
The Enhanced Medical Services (EMS) Program is a collaboration between Riverside University Health System (RUHS) and the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS).
Cal-Learn is a statewide program for pregnant teens or parents under the age of 19 who receive economic assistance from CalWORKS to help with childcare, transportation, school expenses, and a $500 bonus upon graduation.
The Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program promotes the delivery of early, continuous and quality perinatal services to pregnant and postpartum women and their infants by public and private obstetrical providers and coordinated by a Public Health Nurse.