At a news conference on Thursday, June 27, 2019, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) launched its opioid education campaign at the LAC+USC Medical Center to address the national and local crisis. The goal is to raise awareness of risks that result from the misuse of medical prescriptions and to encourage those who are dependent or addicted to seek help.
The campaign includes public service announcements in English and Spanish that feature Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) Captains Sheila Kelliher and Chad Sourbeer as paramedics assisting patients who overdosed.
LACoFD Chief Daryl Osby joined DPH Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer and actor Danny Trejo to kick-off the important initiative. “We are proud to partner with the Board of Supervisors, the County’s Health Agencies and the LAC+USC Medical Center to bring awareness and education to the growing use and abuse of opioids,” he said. “Our first responders are caring for affected patients and are witnessing its devastating effects. We are asking everyone to look after one another… If you see something, say something.”
The opioid education campaign can be found on social media and is airing on local television channels. You can also visit ManagePainSafely.org for more information.
