Santa Maria Advocates shine light on National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley along with other local advocates are highlighting Aug. 21 National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day.

Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley is a local non-profit organization that helps local families access shelter, food, and clothes.

They also guide parents and teens to resources for addiction and mental health issues.

According to the state of California, in 2020, 5,502 people died of overdoses and 3,946 of those deaths were caused by fentanyl.

As people across the country shine a light on the harmful effects of fentanyl, advocates and loved ones of victims want to speak up about the life-changing consequences of drug use.

San Luis Obispo County is hosting its Opioid Safety Coalition meeting Aug. 22, to collaborate with local health resources, to inform the public, and help prevent opioid use disorder.

They will also hold a community event on Aug. 31 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Mitchell Park in SLO for community members to join and learn more.

A local Santa Maria mother, Danielle Murrillo, lost her son Jaycob Murrillo in 2018 to a heroin overdose.

She founded non-profit organization "Let's Make a Difference" and hosts an annual community awareness event in his honor. People can gather at Pioneer Park from 12 to 4 p.m. with informational vendors, a memorial wall, a food fundraiser and live music. Proceeds go to financially sponsor people into recovery homes.

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