By El Latino Newsroom
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Ventura County officials today announced the launch of “Think Again,” a new public awareness campaign aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and equipping residents with life-saving information and resources to prevent overdoses.
With fentanyl-related overdoses on the rise across the state and nation, Ventura County is facing its own challenges.
The “Think Again” campaign provides localized statistics, safety information, and resources to empower residents to protect themselves and others.
The initiative urges the community to educate themselves, remain vigilant, and take action to save lives.
“To recreational drug users considering taking a pill or using a substance this Halloween, we urge you to ‘think again,’” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko.
“Every illicit drug must be presumed to be contaminated with fentanyl, and fentanyl can kill you.”
The campaign is part of the Ventura County Community Overdose Awareness and Solutions Team (COAST), an interagency task force formed in 2018 to address the opioid crisis.
According to the County authorities, COAST brings together county officials, city leaders, law enforcement, and community organizations to tackle the ongoing epidemic by providing education and life-saving resources to residents.
“Through the COAST task force and the campaign we are launching today, we are committed to reducing the number of overdose deaths to zero,” said 2nd District Supervisor Jeff Gorell.
“This campaign delivers critical information and unites people across education, law enforcement, behavioral health, and the community to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl.”
Ventura County Sheriff, Jim Fryhoff, stressed the importance of community-wide awareness in combating the fentanyl crisis.
“This is a critical challenge for our county, and I’m grateful for this campaign because we need everyone to have access to the same information,” Fryhoff said.
“Even if you don’t think you’re directly impacted, you need to share this information with your family and friends. It could save lives.
The “Think Again” campaign also highlights the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding addiction, providing support to those struggling, and holding fentanyl distributors accountable.
“Fentanyl does not discriminate,” said Dr. Theresa Cho, Director of the Ventura County Health Care Agency.
“It affects individuals from all walks of life. Addiction is a health issue, not a moral failure. We must treat those with addiction and their loved ones with compassion and understanding.”
The “Think Again” campaign will be featured countywide, with educational materials in both English and Spanish.
The messaging will appear on billboards, bus shelters, radio, and social media, ensuring wide-reaching public access to vital information.
Residents can visit www.ThinkAgainVC.com for more details, educational resources, and ways to help prevent fentanyl-related tragedies.
To view the full press conference, visit the “Think Again” Fentanyl Awareness Campaign Press Conference on the county’s official website.
