South OC Times

Fentanyl-related deaths in Orange County have reached their lowest point in five years, according to a recent report from the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Division. In 2024, there were 407 fentanyl-related deaths reported, down from 613 deaths in 2023. Preliminary data for 2025 indicates that this downward trend is continuing.

“Seeing a progressive drop in the number of fentanyl-related deaths is encouraging and a testament to the collaborative work of the Sheriff’s Department and the County in addressing this complex and challenging issue,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. “However, our work is far from done. We will continue to work together to be innovative and effective in fighting fentanyl.”

County agencies have implemented various strategies over the past decade aimed at reducing fentanyl fatalities. These include initiatives led by the Board of Supervisors, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and the OC Health Care Agency (HCA).

“I am encouraged and hopeful that the collective efforts by our County are making an impact in the fight against fentanyl,” said Chair Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “The fight isn’t over, so we will continue in these efforts to save lives and protect our community.”

Law enforcement has increased its focus on disrupting narcotics distribution networks. Last year alone, county narcotics teams seized more than 184 pounds of fentanyl powder and nearly 45,300 fentanyl pills.

Since 2021, all drug-related overdoses have been investigated as possible homicides to hold drug dealers accountable. Several cases have since been referred for prosecution at both local and federal levels.

"Any life lost to fentanyl abuse is one too many. I commend the collective efforts by County departments and my office to educate the community and distribute naloxone to help reduce fentanyl deaths amongst our Orange County youth,” stated Vice Chair Katrina Foley, Fifth District.“From here, we must continue prioritizing treatment and holding drug traffickers accountable for poisoning our young adults.”

In correctional facilities, partnerships with HCA’s Correctional Health Services (CHS) team have resulted in enhanced screening procedures and treatment programs targeting substance use disorders among incarcerated individuals. The county emphasizes a two-pronged approach combining enforcement with recovery services.

“My office is committed to Orange County’s prevention and education efforts to combat the fentanyl epidemic,” said Supervisor Janet Nguyen, First District. “I’m excited to hear that our efforts are resulting in reduced deaths associated with this deadly drug. I have been fighting for years to draw attention to this crisis, including writing a law that dramatically increases the prison sentences for fentanyl dealers.”

Over four years, HCA has conducted two major public awareness campaigns: "Life is Greater Than Drugs," which encourages youth engagement through positive activities instead of substance misuse (www.lifeisgreaterthandrugs.com), and "Fentanyl is Forever," aimed at informing residents about overdose risks while connecting them with resources (www.fentanylisforeveroc.org).

“These continued reductions are very encouraging for my district, where fentanyl-related deaths have been a scourge on our communities,” stated Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, Second District. “We know that many of these overdose deaths are preventable, and that outreach and distribution of medication to affected populations are key drivers of these results. The combined efforts of the County teams are working and support our commitment to continue the momentum.”  

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs provide support both inside correctional settings and within the broader community. All inmates receiving MAT also get training on Naloxone administration; upon release from custody they are supplied with Naloxone kits.

“It's incredibly reassuring to see lives being saved due to the efforts of the legislation we have supported and by the hard work done by the County and its departments,” shared Supervisor Donald Wagner, Third District. “Fighting to protect our residents from this poisonous killer of our young people is something everyone can – and should – get behind.”

“In addition to jail programming and services, the HCA takes a comprehensive approach to addressing substance use disorders and, specifically, fentanyl use,” said HCA Director Dr. Veronica Kelley. “We have strong collaborative partnerships with our Sheriff’s Department and Board offices, and have implemented strategies to care for the clients, including incarcerated individuals, to ensure they receive the care and support they need so they can begin recovery and rehabilitation.”

Resources remain available for those seeking help with substance use issues at www.ocnavigator.org.