LA General Medical Center proposes town hall on fentanyl crisis and NAS awareness

South El Monte City Council convened on September 2, 2025, to address pressing community health issues, particularly the fentanyl crisis and its impact on families. The meeting featured passionate appeals from representatives of local health organizations, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and education surrounding fentanyl and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).

Julia from the LA General Medical Center Foundation highlighted the devastating effects of the fentanyl crisis, sharing firsthand accounts of families affected by addiction and overdose. She proposed a community town hall focused on fentanyl and NAS, aiming to unite local leaders, healthcare professionals, and affected families to foster education and solutions. Julia expressed the foundation's commitment to supporting this initiative, offering resources and medical insights to help combat the crisis.

Analay Alcantara, a community engagement coordinator, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of creating awareness and preventive measures against substance abuse. She urged the council to support initiatives that would educate the community about the dangers of fentanyl, reinforcing the need for collective action to protect families.

The meeting also touched on the topic of cannabis dispensaries, with community member Rebecca Diaz raising concerns about the potential expansion of these businesses near schools. She argued that reducing the buffer zone could expose vulnerable populations, particularly youth, to increased risks associated with substance use. Diaz called for caution and comprehensive planning before making any zoning adjustments, emphasizing the need for community input and mental health considerations.

Vincent Diaz provided a different perspective, suggesting that the distances involved in accessing cannabis were not significant, indicating that the community could adapt to existing regulations. However, the overall sentiment from community members leaned towards prioritizing health and safety over expansion.

As the council deliberates on these critical issues, the proposed town hall on fentanyl and NAS stands out as a potential turning point for community engagement and education. The discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for proactive measures to address substance abuse and its far-reaching effects on families in South El Monte. The council's response to these concerns will be pivotal in shaping the city's approach to public health and safety in the coming months.