Free Narcan distribution held in hopes of preventing overdoses during Deltopia

ISLA VISTA, Calif.-A Deltopia Isla Vista Narcan Distribution effort kicked off in Walter Capps Park on Tuesday.

Laura Capps, the daughter of the late UCSB Professor and Congressman Walter Capps and Former Congresswoman Lois Capps, now represents the area as a member of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors.

Laura Capps was a new Supervisor when a UCSB student died of a fentanyl overdose during Deltopia.

"The first couple months of my job was Deltopia and a young student overdosed and I called both of his parents, had to have that call and just right then and there I thought what can we do so that next year isn't the same and that is what came out of this partnering with the students so we are hitting every household," said Capps.

Supervisor Capps and UCSB Associated Students, also joined forces with Santa Barbara Behavioral Health, and the Isla Vista Community Services District and first responders and other volunteers from the community.

They went door-to-door on Tuesday afternoon and visited 900 residences.

They also handed out boxes of Narcan and pamphlets, dedicated to cliff fall victims, that explains the dangers of the cliffs in Isla Vista.

Students seemed receptive. Many know people who have died from an overdose or cliff fall or they know someone who knows someone.

Participants hope handing out Narcan and telling people how to use it will save lives during Deltopia.

They also believe raising awareness about cliff fatalities will result in a weekend that is safe.

Higher fencing was recently installed in Walter Capps Park, but a Del Playa Dr. patio at a private residence fell onto the beach during rainy weather on Saturday.

County officials don't want people partying on those balconies.

Firefighter / paramedia Devon Kelsey said once someone is given Narcan for a possible overdose they still need to go the hospital.

She said they may lose consciousness again.

Students should call 911. A Good Samaritan law allows people to call for help without fear of consequences.

Deltopia used to be called Floatopia when it took place on the beach more than two decades ago.

Environmental concerns put a stop to the beach party. This year nearby beaches will be closed.

The IVCSD is hosting an alternative Spring Festival on Saturday in Little Acorn Park.

And on Wednesday students and residents are invited to a Party Safety For All meeting at 970 Embarcadero Del Mar.

Plans are also in the works to put a vending machine full of Narcan outside the community center.

Narcan used to retail for about $50. Thanks to government funding the recent distribution was free and the vending machine will have Narcan available for free.

They had hoped to have the vending machine in place and fully stocked in time for Deltopia, but it looks like it will arrive next month.

For more information visit https://www.islavistacsd.ca.gov