California’s Fight Against Fentanyl: How Asian and Pacific Islander Communities Can Stay Safe

By California Department of Public Health

The fentanyl crisis is no longer an abstract issue—it’s hitting close to home for many in California’s Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities. In 2023, 233 API individuals in California died from fentanyl-related overdoses, up from 203 in 2022. Among API individuals, fentanyl was involved in 51% of all drug-related deaths.

To better understand the impact, NextShark asked our Instagram community to share their personal experiences through an anonymous call-out in our Stories. Here’s what some of our followers said:

“I never thought much about fentanyl until I heard that a student from my old high school had died from an overdose. Even though I graduated nearly two decades ago, it hit so close to home. It made me think about how things have changed and how dangerous the world can be, especially now that I have kids getting older. The risk feels real in a way it never did before.”

“Growing up in an Asian household, we never talked about drugs. When my brother’s best friend overdosed, our family was shocked. We assumed these things only happened to other people. It took that tragedy for us to start having real conversations about fentanyl and carrying naloxone.”

These firsthand stories from our NextShark community reveal how fentanyl is affecting API families in ways many never expected.

Why Fentanyl Is So Dangerous

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that’s up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Just the tiniest amount of fentanyl – as small as a few grains of salt – can be enough to cause a fatal overdose.

What makes it even more concerning is that fentanyl can show up in other substances like MDMA (Molly or Ecstasy), cocaine, and counterfeit pills (think fake Adderall or Xanax).

In 2023 alone, California seized 62,224 pounds of fentanyl—a record amount—highlighting how pervasive the issue has become.

Risks for Fentanyl Exposure

Common social settings where people go to enjoy time with friends like music festivals, raves, nightclubs, or house parties may be places where people could be exposed to drugs that could contain fentanyl.

Students may turn to counterfeit pills not prescribed by a doctor to enhance focus or productivity, potentially unaware that fake versions of these drugs can contain lethal contaminants such as fentanyl. During times of stress, some may turn to opioids, benzodiazepines, or other substances, unaware that these drugs could be contaminated with fentanyl. For example, illegal drugs purchased online or from unverified sources other than a pharmacist may contain fentanyl, which amplifies the risk of fatal overdose.

Fentanyl test strips can be used to test drugs, and some local organizations have them available for free.

The Impact on California’s API Communities

In 2023, 233 API individuals in California died from fentanyl-related overdoses, up from 203 in 2022. Statewide, opioid-related deaths totaled 7,847, with fentanyl involved in 7,137 of those cases (California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard, CDPH, 2023).

While the overall numbers of overdose deaths among API individuals may seem lower than in other communities, the risk is still significant. Many overdoses may occur in front of bystanders who don’t know how to respond, highlighting a critical gap in life-saving intervention.

Additionally, cultural stigma and the lack of awareness within API communities can prevent people from discussing drug use or carrying naloxone, further delaying critical help in an overdose situation.

Naloxone: A Life-Saving Solution

The good news? Overdose deaths can be prevented with naloxone, a simple nasal spray that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Even if you’re unsure whether someone is overdosing, naloxone is safe to use and could save their life.

Why Naloxone Matters

Bystanders Can Save Lives: In as many as 40% of overdose deaths, a bystander was present. Overdose deaths can be prevented if the bystander is aware of how to respond. Carrying naloxone and knowing how to use it can make the difference between life and death.
Easy to Access: You can buy naloxone over the counter at many pharmacies without a prescription. Many community organizations also provide it for free.
Simple to Use: Naloxone is an easy-to-use nasal spray, and it is small enough to easily carry in a bag or pocket.
Breaking Stigma: Carrying naloxone isn’t about drug use—it’s about potentially saving a life. By normalizing carrying naloxone, we can empower more people to take action and save lives.

How to Respond to an Overdose

Give Naloxone and Call 911: Administer naloxone immediately and call emergency services for help.
Provide a Second Dose if Needed: If there is no response after 2-3 minutes, use a new naloxone container to administer another dose in the other nostril.
Keep the Person Awake and Breathing: Encourage them to stay awake and monitor their breathing closely.
Lay the Person on Their Side: This helps prevent choking in case they vomit.
Stay with the Person Until Help Arrives: Continue to monitor them and provide reassurance while waiting for emergency responders.

What You Can Do to Help: Protecting our communities starts with awareness and action. Talk to your friends and family about the risks of fentanyl. Know the signs of an overdose, carry naloxone, and know how to use it. Share resources and information to help others stay safe.

For more information and to find naloxone near you, visit FactsFightFentanyl.org. This site has tools and resources in multiple languages to make it easier to access life-saving help.

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