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Fentanyl Deaths in Sonoma County
Last weekend, two teens died in Santa Rosa due to suspected fentanyl poisoning; two other teens were hospitalized. It was reported that the youth believed they were using cocaine; however, their drug supply contained fentanyl. Overdose is the leading cause of death in Marin County for residents aged 55 and younger. Fentanyl, a high potency synthetic opioid, is the most common substance involved in local overdose deaths. Visit Data Dashboard — OD Free Marin to learn more about overdose in Marin County. See the Public Health Update published this week.
Providers are asked to share the following messages with people who use drugs:
- Carry Naloxone. You may need to use multiple doses. Get free Naloxone: odfreemarin.org/nalaxone/
- Test your drugs before using. Fentanyl test strips are available through Ritter Center.
- Start low and go slow.
- Do not use drugs alone. If no one will be close by while you are using, call Never Use Alone at 1-800-484-3731
For treatment options, call the Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Access Line (24/7) at 1-888-818-1115 or visit here.
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Flu Update
Flu activity remains high in California and Public Health issued an advisory earlier this month. Help slow the spread of flu by encouraging patients and staff to stay home and away from others if when sick and consider prescription medication. The influenza season is still ongoing, this being the worst since 2017-18. Local dashboards are tracking respiratory activity in Marin. The flu vaccine remains strongly recommended.
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Bird Flu Update
The H5N1 bird flu continues to spread, affecting wild birds, poultry, and dairy cows. While the risk to the general public remains low, there have been over 70 confirmed human infections, mostly from direct contact with sick animals. The virus hasn't yet mutated to spread between humans. The U.S. has ramped up its response, including financial aid for poultry producers and research into vaccines. Primary care providers should advise at-risk individuals, such as farmers and families with backyard poultry, on precautions to prevent infection: avoid direct contact with birds and other animals that could be infected with bird flu; get the seasonal flu vaccine; only consume pasteurized dairy products; and cook poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165°F. Marin County Public Health will provide local updates on our Bird Flu (H5N1) webpage.
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Eating Disorders
In recognition of Eating Disorder Awareness Week, Kelly Harvard, Senior Program Coordinator in our Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health program, published an Op-Ed in the Marin IJ discussing the critical role of negative body images in adolescent eating disorders.. As healthcare providers, it is essential to understand the profound impact body dissatisfaction has on both mental and physical health, particularly among adolescents and marginalized populations, such as LGBTQ+ youth. Negative body image is a significant contributing factor to eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and self-harm, with the onset typically occurring between the ages of 12 and 25. Providers are in a unique position to offer early recognition, intervention, and ongoing support for individuals affected by body image issues.
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Immigration and Primary Care
 The new federal administration has intensified the need for healthcare providers to support vulnerable families with immigration concerns, and to make sure that staff understand basic immigration rights in the healthcare setting. The California Primary Care Association has published Immigration Guidance information for health centers to guide any potential interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Locally, Marin Health and Human Services and other community-based organizations are providing red cards from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) to patients and clients. Marin also has Rapid Response Networks, which are 24/7 hotlines for reporting ICE activity. Bilingual dispatchers will answer and respond to calls by activating Legal Observers in real time to verify the reported ICE activity.
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Possible Medi-Cal Cuts Ahead
This week, the House passed a budget resolution to advance “One, Big Beautiful Bill.” While House Republicans promise “tax relief to working families,” the bill as proposed directs the House Energy and Commerce Committee to make $880 billion in budget cuts, which includes Medicaid funding (aka Medi-Cal in California). Medi-Cal provides health insurance to more than 20% of Marin County residents. Federal cuts to Medicaid have direct implications for state budgets. Medicaid is the largest source of federal revenues for state budgets. Reduced federal funding for Medi-Cal would likely force the state to raise revenue or cut spending. The budget reconciliation process, which requires the Senate and House to pass an agreed-upon budget, will inform how this could affect health care resources at the state and local level. Marin County Public Health will continue to monitor federal impacts locally and report on a regular basis to healthcare and other constituents.
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Message from the Deputy Health Officer
 In an ever-changing world, the partnership between communities and healthcare providers is crucial. Communities are the bedrock of public health, offering the social, cultural, and environmental context for our lives. Effective public health strategies are rooted in community engagement, including health education, disease prevention, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Healthcare providers extend beyond their role in clinical care by collaborating with community organizations, contributing to public health research, and sharing data. These partnerships lead to improved health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and increased health equity. By working together, communities and healthcare providers can eliminate disparities and ensure that everyone has access to quality care. Together, we can build a healthier and more just future for all.
In partnership,
Melanie Thompson, DO
Deputy Public Health Officer
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