Killer High: Where Central California stands in the fight against fentanyl

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Since the merchandise of Action News' documentary "Killer High: The Silent Crisis" successful 2021, schools crossed the vale and passim the U.S. person utilized it to amended their students connected the dangers of thoroughfare fentanyl and it's making an impact.

From 2021 to 2023, the Fresno County Coroner has reported less overdose deaths related to fentanyl, with 32 overdose deaths of radical 30 years and younger successful 2021 to 17 deaths successful 2023.

But taking a look astatine the full state, determination were an estimated 6,850 fentanyl overdose deaths successful 2023, the past twelvemonth information was available. That's astir 18 deaths per 100,000 radical surviving successful the state.

If we comparison that to 5 years ago, successful 2019, fentanyl overdose deaths are up 400%. Compared to 10 years ago, successful 2014, it's up 6,500%.

So, determination is determination is inactive much to beryllium done to amended astir the dangers of fentanyl.

Over the adjacent 12 months, Action News is committing to telling stories astir the authorities of fentanyl successful Central California and the resources disposable to those successful need.

In this, our archetypal story, we look astatine wherever Central California stands successful the combat against fentanyl and what instrumentality enforcement plans to bash to support our kids safe.