Yurok Tribe Declares Emergency in Response to Surge in Fentanyl Overdoses

The Yurok Tribe has issued an emergency declaration in response to a growing number of drug overdoses on and near the Tribe's Northern California reservation in Del Norte and Humboldt counties.

Per a statement issued by the Tribe on Monday, May 22, the crisis is driven by the presence of fentanyl - a highly potent synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and was present in 66% of fatal overdoses nationally in 2022 - and xylazine, a sedative approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for veterinary use.

"The Yurok Tribal Council is sounding the alarm and taking action to address this exigent risk to our community," Chairman Joseph L. James said in a statement. "Too many of our families have lost loved ones to fentanyl. Now, we are seeing fentanyl mixed with xylazine, which is even more dangerous."

https://nativenewsonline.net/health/yurok-emergency-fentanyl