We’re focusing some of our coverage on the fentanyl crisis in Stanislaus County. Here’s why

Fentanyl-related deaths are increasing in Stanislaus County, and 47 of this year’s 81 have occurred in the past three months.

A new drug containing fentanyl has hit the streets, one that does not respond to naloxone (Narcan). This drug, tranq, is a mix of fentanyl and the veterinary medicine xylazine. Xylazine is a non-opiate sedative, analgesic and muscle relaxant used on animals in a hospital setting, according to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

Stanislaus County is considered to be in an “opioid overdose crisis” because of the number of related deaths it records annually. The county has recorded 129 opioid-related deaths this year.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is dangerous because it’s extremely potent — up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine — according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because it’s so potent, it’s often added to other drugs, making them “cheaper, more powerful and more addictive,” the CDC reports.

Dr. Lyn Raible, who has worked in substance use treatment in Stanislaus County, previously told The Bee that xylazine is even more dangerous than fentanyl.

Because of the growing crisis in the region, The Modesto Bee recognizes the importance of helping Stanislaus County residents understand the dangers of synthetic and nonsynthetic opioids, what misconceptions exist about the crisis and the drugs, and how to access and administer so-called opioid antagonist medications including Narcan.

We are focusing coverage on these topics and others relating to fentanyl, opioids and Narcan and we want to hear from our readers about what’s important to them.

Here’s where you can find some of our most recent coverage, and some of the things we plan to address in future stories. We also have a form where you can submit questions or ideas of your own.

Previous Modesto Bee coverage

Here are 10 of the most recent stories The Bee has covered that give context to the opioid and fentanyl crisis in Stanislaus County:

▪ Fentanyl crisis: Fatal overdoses spike in Stanislaus County. ‘Tranq’ is on the streets

▪ Rise in drug overdose deaths leads Stanislaus County to issue health alert

▪ Stanislaus County man is charged with murder after Ceres woman dies from fentanyl poisoning

▪ Kaiser Permanente distributes free Narcan to combat fentanyl crisis in Stanislaus region

▪ Turlock police seize 11 kilos of powdered fentanyl during search

▪ Hear this plea, legislators: Fentanyl crisis is killing California’s young people | Opinion

▪ It’s Fentanyl Awareness Day: How Stanislaus is calling attention to most deadly drug crisis

▪ Fentanyl claimed the life of a Stanislaus County girl. Her sister keeps her memory alive

▪ Assembly panel passes fentanyl bills. Will it protect Stanislaus residents and kids?

▪ California bill would require bars to carry Narcan. Would it include Stanislaus County?

A glimpse of what we hope to cover

The Bee has brainstormed ideas we think will be of reader interest regarding fentanyl and opioids, but we really want to hear what matters to you. Here are some of our ideas and how you can submit yours:

• Fentanyl can be disguised as candy. What to look out for ahead of Halloween.
• How Narcan works, how to access it, how much it costs and how to administer it
• What is fentanyl and where does it come from?
• What are the demographics and the ages most affected?
• Fentanyl use in healthcare
• What’s true and what’s not regarding the opioid crisis in Stanislaus County?

Do you have other ideas, suggestions or questions regarding fentanyl, opioids or Narcan in Stanislaus County? Submit them to local@modbee.com or in the form below:

This story was originally published October 6, 2023 at 6:00 AM.

Dominique Williams

The Modesto Bee

209-253-9007

Dominique Williams writes about new business, restaurant and retail developments for The Modesto Bee. She is a Ripon native and a graduate of Sacramento State.