#47: Overdose deaths are rising dramatically in LA. Almost 1300% in the last several years. Fentanyl is a major culprit. LA's Public Health Department, LAUSD, LAPD and the DA's office have started strategizing to figure out how to deal with this crisis... But there are groups out there who have been practicing harm reduction for years: distributing narcan or fentanyl test-strips, and teaching classes. Groups like T.A.C.O., a national non-profit started by 5 college students, who saw a deadly problem that didn't seem like it was being addressed.
Today we're taking a personal look at LA's fentanyl crisis, and some of the solutions that are currently saving lives.
Guests: Isabella Gianatiempo, co-founder & CEO of T.A.C.O. Inc; B, an L.A. college student who overdosed and survived, and requested that we not use their full name.
For educational resources about drug safety, check out Taco's website, and the CA Department of Public Health.
If you or someone you know experiences an overdose, call 9-1-1 immediately.