The opioid epidemic is a complex and far-reaching problem that cannot be solved by the isolated actions of a single organization, industry, institution, or group. Rapidly changing factors of the epidemic, such as prescribing and dispensing patterns, the availability of low cost heroin, and synthetic drugs like fentanyl, add to the complexity of the problem.
Since 2014, California has come together to work towards combatting the opioid epidemic. As part of this work, the Statewide Opioid Safety (SOS) Workgroup has developed a set of shared strategies. Below are some activities occurring across California as part of the state's efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.