The program, offered by Placer PREP, includes educational materials on the effects of fentanyl, symptoms, current legal landscape, the effect of fentanyl on communities and more. Placer County District Attorney’s Office News Release

 

ROSEVILLE, CA (MPG) – Feb. 21, Placer County announced the launch of the state’s first official fentanyl probation educational program and impact panel, a creation from Assembly Bill 890. 

The Placer County District Attorney’s Office sponsored Assembly Bill 890, ran by Assemblyman Joe Patterson, which creates an educational program for fentanyl dealers – much like the MADD programs for drunk driving.  

Once the bill became state law, the Placer County Probation Department, in partnership with the District Attorney’s Office, Health and Human Services, Placer Re-entry Program, and Stanford Medicine-Reach Lab created a working group to develop the curriculum.  

“AB 890 is a continuation of the collaborative, education-based efforts we have been implementing in Placer County,” said Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire. “The lethality of fentanyl has changed the criminal justice landscape and increased the need for education to those convicted of possessing, selling, or transporting this dangerous drug. This program may just be the tool that saves lives and Placer County, once again, is leading the way.” 

“The launch of a Fentanyl and Opioid Awareness and Overdose Prevention course in Placer County, in accordance with Assembly Bill 890, showcases the collaboration among the District Attorney’s Office, Probation Department, Health and Human Services, the Placer Reentry Program, and the Stanford REACH Lab.  Strong stakeholder partnerships provide the foundation for innovative programs, and we are proud to be part of a team that is committed to safer communities,” said Chief Probation Officer Marshall Hopper.

“From day one I’ve made clear that we must take a multi-pronged approach to fully address the fentanyl crisis, including education, treatment, and accountability. AB 890 ensures those convicted of fentanyl-related crimes will no longer be able to say that they did not know the lethal risks,” said Assemblyman Joe Patterson. “The bill not only offers rehabilitation services, but also gives prosecutors the tools to hold those who peddle this poison in our communities accountable.”

The program, offered by Placer PREP, includes educational materials on the effects of fentanyl to the human body, symptoms of an overdose, the current legal landscape, the effect of fentanyl on communities and more. 

It also includes a MADD-inspired impact panel that includes people who have lost someone to fentanyl, individuals who used to be addicted to fentanyl, people who used to sell fentanyl or related substances and family members of people addicted to fentanyl – showing program recipients a diverse range of impact. 

The program will be made available through Stanford Medicine-Reach Lab for all counties across the state interested in implementing this critical law. 

You can learn more about the program here.