In a recent government meeting, the urgent issue of fentanyl abuse was brought to the forefront, highlighting the devastating impact of this synthetic opioid on families and communities. A representative from Stop the Void, a California nonprofit organization, shared a personal story that underscored the crisis: the loss of her 16-year-old son, Daniel Huerta, to fentanyl poisoning.

Fentanyl, which is reported to be 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, is often produced in uncontrolled environments, raising significant public health concerns. The representative emphasized the pervasive nature of fentanyl, stating, \"Fentanyl doesn't care if you're a mother, a father, a son, a daughter, a coworker, a friend. It just doesn't care.\"

In response to the growing epidemic, San Bernardino County has launched the \"Fentanyl Doesn't Care But We Do\" campaign, aimed at raising awareness and educating the community about the dangers of fentanyl. The campaign seeks to combat the stigma surrounding addiction and overdose, encouraging parents and community members to recognize that such tragedies can happen to anyone.

The partnership between San Bernardino County and Stop the Void aims to provide resources and support through the county's Department of Behavioral Health, urging residents to visit their website for more information. The meeting served as a critical reminder of the need for community engagement and proactive measures to address the fentanyl crisis.