Fentanyl is Forever Public Awareness Campaign
The San Luis Obispo County Health Agency launched a multimedia public awareness campaign called “Fentanyl is Forever” to raise awareness of the dangers of fentanyl and empower community members to access local resources for assistance.
Funded through Opioid Settlement Funds, the campaign features family testimonies, educational materials, as well as prevention information.
“Even a minute amount of fentanyl contamination can be fatal,” said San Luis Obispo County Health Agency Director Nick Drews. “Prevention through education is the goal of this campaign and, with the widespread availability of fentanyl in our communities, it’s vitally important for people not to use illegal drugs that can be laced with this poison.”
San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Department Director Dr. Star Graber said her department is dedicated and committed to working with partner agencies throughout San Luis Obispo County to raise awareness of about the dangers of fentanyl.
“Our overarching campaign theme, ‘Fentanyl is Forever,’ carries a profound message that should resonate with our community members,” said Dr. Graber. “It acknowledges the harsh reality of fentanyl, and this is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis by equipping our community members with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
The campaign will utilize various media channels, including digital, broadcast, and social media videos, as well as materials in English and Spanish. Posters, flyers, and banner ads will be distributed throughout San Luis Obispo County, with active engagement on social media platforms.
Opinions Wanted, Parking Fees in SLO Meeting
Tired of spending quality shopping money or paying fees to work, let your voice be heard about parking rates in SLO.
The City of San Luis Obispo invites community members to three upcoming opportunities for further public input on the recommendations that will be brought to City Council as part of the 2024 Parking Rate Study:
• Community Meeting – Parking Rate Study (In-Person)
April 4, from 6 – 8 p.m.
Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa Street
• Community Meeting – Parking Rate Study (Virtual)
April 5 from 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom
• City Council Meeting – Study Session (In-Person)
April 16, at 5:30 p.m.
Council Chamber at City Hall, 990 Palm Street
Results from the previous community engagement efforts (including an online survey) will be presented during the meetings, and staff will ask for community input on draft recommendations for parking in downtown San Luis Obispo. Staff will incorporate community input into proposed solutions for the City Council’s consideration during a study session on April 16. Final solutions based on Council feedback and community input will be recommended to the City Council in a final 2024 Parking Rate Study report in June 2024.
DUI Services Moving
The County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Department announced a strategic transition in its Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Program Services.
With the aim of enhancing service delivery and expanding support options for individuals facing DUI-related challenges, the County will commence the transfer of its DUI program services to Kings View Behavioral Health Systems. Any community member seeking to enroll in a DUI program will do so by contacting the new provider: The Kings View DUI Program 2727 Buena Vista Drive, Ste 109 Paso Robles, CA 93446 805-475-8260.
The transition plan outlines a phased approach, with the County gradually reducing its provision of DUI services while facilitating a seamless transfer of clients to Kings View Behavioral Health Systems. By May 31, 2024, all DUI program services will be fully transitioned to Kings View Behavioral Health Systems.
“The Behavioral Health Department is committed to ensuring the welfare and continued support of all individuals enrolled in the DUI program,” said Dr. Star Graber, Behavioral Health Department Director. “By partnering with Kings View Behavioral Health Systems, clients will benefit from expanded resources and specialized care tailored to their needs.”
For further information or inquiries regarding the transition process, current clients are encouraged to contact their counselor or the County of San Luis Obispo’s DUI Program Office.
Hospice SLO Seeks Sponsors for Walk for Healing Challenge
Hospice SLO County is seeking business and individual sponsors for its 4th Annual Walk for Healing fundraising event taking place April 29—June 9. The six-week virtual event coincides with Global Employee Health & Fitness Month, providing an excellent opportunity for businesses and individuals to invest in wellness while supporting compassionate end-of-life care in the community.
With sponsorship levels ranging from $5,000 to $500, the Walk for Healing challenge allows participants to log miles from walking, running, hiking, biking, swimming, or any preferred fitness activity. The goal is to collectively reach 25,000 miles and raise $60,000 to fund Hospice SLO County’s volunteer support services.
“The Walk for Healing is a chance to prioritize your health and find healing through movement, all while ensuring those facing life-limiting illness or grief have access to our services,” said Shannon McOuat, Executive Director of Hospice SLO County. “We’re grateful for the sponsors who make this meaningful event possible each year.”
Hospice SLO County is a non-profit that provides compassionate non-medical hospice care, grief counseling, end-of-life resources, and volunteer support at no cost to clients or families. Sponsorship dollars allow the organization to recruit, train, and support volunteers who provide invaluable emotional, spiritual, and practical assistance.
All sponsors will receive promotional benefits based on their level. Registration for teams and individuals opens on April 15 at www.hospiceslo.org/events.
For more details on becoming a 2024 Walk for Healing sponsor, please contact June Mallory Aiello, Development Director, at juneaiello@hospiceslo.org or (805) 544-2266.
Send your news, community and business briefs to Editor@EsteroBayNews.com. Be sure to include the who, what, why, where and when information along with a contact person.
