Tags: Every month, Sonoma County loses an average of twelve people to accidental overdoses. It is the third-highest overdose death rate among Bay Area counties, driven by the spread of fentanyl in opioids and other drugs.
Face to Face Sonoma County is proving that community-based prevention can turn those numbers around.
According to data from the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) that was analyzed by the California Department of Public Health, Office of AIDS, in 2024 Face to Face distributed 44% of the naloxone obtained from DHCS’ Naloxone Distribution Program in Sonoma County yet accounted for 66% of the overdose reversals reported. This extraordinary return reflects the power of strategic access: Face to Face doesn’t just distribute naloxone; it ensures the medication reaches the people and places where overdoses are most likely to occur.
“Our goal is zero overdose deaths, and we know how to get there,” said Kevin McAllister, Executive Director of Face to Face Sonoma County. “Naloxone saves lives when people have it and know how to use it. These numbers prove our approach works. Now we need to scale it.”
The organization’s approach centers on meeting people where they are. Face to Face provides naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl testing strips, and firsthand overdose prevention training through neighborhood outreach, partner sites, and direct community distribution. In 2023, the nonprofit purchased an EV Mobile Van that now operates twelve mobile routes to extend its reach into rural areas and communities that are harder to access. To further expand access, Face to Face installed wellness vending machines across the county provide 24/7 access to overdose prevention tools.
Support our work in the community: www.f2f.org/donate/
