Yolo County Declares August 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day

The Yolo County Board of Supervisors meeting on August 26, 2025, spotlighted the urgent issue of opioid overdoses as they declared August 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day. Supervisor Villegas, who has dedicated much of his career to addressing substance abuse, presented the resolution, highlighting a significant decline in overdose deaths in the county—from 30 to 26 in the past year. However, he emphasized that overdoses remain the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 44, underscoring the ongoing crisis.

Community members shared poignant personal stories, including Ricky Bridal, who lost his son to fentanyl poisoning. He urged for more resources in schools to educate youth about the dangers of street drugs. Christy Lee, another speaker, recounted her son Jake's tragic death from a counterfeit pill, advocating for harm reduction strategies like distributing Narcan and fentanyl test strips to save lives.

The meeting also recognized Labor Day, with a resolution honoring the contributions of Yolo County's workforce across various sectors. Supervisor Villegas acknowledged the vital role of labor movements in advocating for workers' rights and safety.

As the meeting progressed, the board prepared to commemorate Women's Equality Day, reflecting on the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the contributions of women throughout history. The discussions highlighted the importance of community awareness and support in tackling these pressing issues, with a commitment to fostering a safer and more equitable environment for all residents.