Resources & Education
Your go-to hub for facts, toolkits, videos, and answers about fentanyl in Imperial County.
What You Need to Know
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid originally developed to treat severe pain, such as pain from surgery or advanced cancer. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. While legally prescribed in hospitals, most fentanyl found on the streets is illicitly manufactured and extremely dangerous.
Why Is Fentanyl So Dangerous?
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Deadly in small doses: Just 2 mg can kill.
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Hidden threat: Odorless, tasteless, and often mixed into other drugs
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Rapid action: Overdoses can overwhelm the body before help arrives.
Fake Pills Are a Real Threat
Illicit fentanyl is being pressed into counterfeit pills that look like real prescription medications (e.g., Percocet, Xanax, Oxycodone). If it didn’t come from a pharmacy or your doctor, it could contain fentanyl — and it could kill you.
Fentanyl in Our Community
Fentanyl overdoses are not just a “big city” problem. They’re happening in Imperial County, touching local families, schools, and neighborhoods. This is a public health crisis, and it requires a community response.
Stay Safe
How to Protect Yourself
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Never take pills from friends or street dealers.
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Talk early and often with kids and loved ones about the risks.
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Learn to use naloxone (Narcan)—it can reverse an overdose.
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Get Involved: Volunteer, host a training, or share our materials.
Downloadable Resources
Below are links to resources you might find helpful as you learn about fentanyl risks, prevention, and response.
A comprehensive guide covering overdose basics, naloxone use, and harm reduction strategies.
State-specific resources including communication materials and prevention strategies tailored for California communities.
Up-to-date national statistics on drug overdose deaths, including fentanyl-related fatalities.
A compilation of hotline resources for overdose prevention and education.
Information on Xylazine
National campaign materials and information on the dangers of fentanyl.
Educational video demonstrating how to use naloxone to reverse an overdose.
Strategies for schools and institutions to address opioid-related emergencies.
Links to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) naloxone distribution project website.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fentanyl
What is fentanyl and why is it so dangerous?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more potent than morphine. Even a dose as small as two milligrams — about the size of a few grains of salt — can be fatal. In many cases, it’s mixed into street drugs or fake pills without the user’s knowledge.
How is fentanyl affecting Imperial County?
Like many parts of California, Imperial County has seen a rise in fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths, especially among youth and young adults. The drug is being found in counterfeit pills and mixed into drugs like cocaine, meth, and heroin, increasing the risk of accidental overdoseStrategies for schools and institutions to address opioid-related emergencies..
What does fentanyl look like and how is it commonly sold?
Fentanyl is often found in fake prescription pills that look like Oxycodone (M30), Xanax, or Percocet. It can also be in powder or liquid form, sometimes mixed into other drugs. Unless drugs are prescribed by a licensed medical provider and filled by a pharmacy, they may be unsafe.
What is naloxone (Narcan), and how does it help?
Naloxone (brand name Narcan) is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, including fentanyl. It’s available without a prescription in California and can be administered as a nasal spray. Local health departments and pharmacies in Imperial County offer Narcan for free or low cost.
How can I get Narcan in Imperial County?
You can get free Narcan kits from the Imperial County Public Health Department, participating schools, some community clinics, and through outreach events. Pharmacies across California can also provide Narcan without a prescription under a statewide standing order.
What should I do if I witness an overdose?
Call 911 immediately. Administer Narcan if available. Try to keep the person awake and breathing. Stay with them until emergency help arrives. California’s Good Samaritan Law protects you from legal consequences when calling for help during an overdose.
What is being done locally to address the fentanyl crisis?
The Imperial Valley Drug Coalition (IVDC), law enforcement, schools, public health agencies, and community partners are working together to raise awareness, expand Narcan access, educate families and youth, and promote treatment and recovery options for those struggling with substance use.