Riverbank proclaims Aug. 31 Overdose Awareness Day; family testimony urges community action

Riverbank’s City Council on Aug. 27 adopted a proclamation recognizing Aug. 31, 2024, as Overdose Awareness Day and heard a presentation on fentanyl’s impact in the county.

Jennifer Marsh of Stanislaus County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services told the council that illicitly manufactured fentanyl is driving a growing share of overdose deaths, and that local coroner data show 213 drug‑related overdose and poisoning deaths in Stanislaus County in 2023, 138 of which were fentanyl‑related. Marsh framed the issue as a communitywide public‑health problem and emphasized education and early conversations with young people to reduce risk.

A short video and testimony followed from Sofia Vivo, who described losing her sister to a counterfeit pill that contained fentanyl. Vivo recounted that the loss could happen to any family and urged public discussion and awareness. She promoted a community walk called “Not My Child,” a 5K to raise awareness and connect residents with resources; registration information was provided by presenters.

Marsh and county staff highlighted local treatment and crisis resources, including the county access line and the national crisis/suicide prevention line (988), which staff noted also routes callers to substance‑use crisis services. Marsh urged residents to talk to young people early and to make use of available treatment options and community events.

The council accepted the proclamation and thanked presenters for bringing survivor testimony and community outreach information to the public record. The presentation included an invitation for residents to attend the county’s awareness events and to use listed treatment and crisis resources.