Initiative & Partner Highlights

The second annual Amazing Grace gathering, hosted by Amazing Grace Committee Chair Carla Crudup, brought faith leaders, clinicians, people in recovery, and families to Christian Fellowship Congregational Church for an evening on substance use as a public health issue.District Attorney Summer Stephan presented county overdose data showing deaths among Black San Diegans fell from 159 in 2023 to 85 in 2025 - a decline of nearly half - alongside an overall drop from 1,203 to 840, and a fall from 13 to 2 among people under 18. Methamphetamine deaths, particularly among older adults, remain the harder problem.Dr. Suzanne Afflalo spoke on treating addiction as a health condition, and Reggie Washington of Project Aware covered naloxone access and the Good Samaritan law.Read the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint’s coverage → Click here

SUOPT marked the 25th International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31 with a news conference and community resource fair at the County Administration Center, under the theme “25 Years On. Still Needed.”A display of 840 purple flags covered the northwest lawn - one for every life lost to overdose in San Diego County last year, and 105 fewer than the year before. The morning brought together the District Attorney’s Office, HHSA Public Health, the Medical Examiner, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, DEA, HIDTA, Behavioral Health Services, the Sheriff’s Office, AMR, the Live Well on Wheels team, and families who have lost loved ones.County overdose deaths fell from 945 in 2024 to 840 in 2025 - an 11 percent decline, and 36 percent below the 2021 peak. Methamphetamine is now involved in more overdose deaths than fentanyl, and naloxone does not reverse a methamphetamine overdose.Watch NBC 7’s coverage → Click here

SAY San Diego’s North Central Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention Program recently partnered with Minding Your Mind, the San Diego County Office of Education, TURN, the County's Department of Strategy and Community Engagement , and other community organizations to bring a, What I Wish My Parents Knew (WIWMPK) forum to the Montgomery Middle School community in Linda Vista. This powerful program is designed to open up honest conversations between caregivers and teens about important, but often difficult topics like substance use, mental wellness, and navigating peer relationships. Youth leaders from Montgomery kicked off the event by sharing findings from a recent student survey, giving both adults and peers a glimpse into what students are seeing and feeling today. For many teens, hearing survey results helped them realize they’re not alone in their experiences. For example, one question asked, “Where do you hear the most about drugs or alcohol?” With many students citing social media and peer groups. Yet, through the process of preparing for the event, the youth leaders learned that that over 95% of students their age and in their district are not using substances, they thought this is a statistic worth celebrating! The youth sent a strong message to adults: “Even though we hear about drugs and alcohol from all over, Parents, you are still the biggest influence in how we think and what we choose. It might not always feel like we’re listening… but we are. What you say matters. How you talk to us matters even more.” Following the youth presentation, subject matter experts led a panel discussion offering practical tips for caregivers on how to communicate more effectively with their teens. WIWMPK continues to foster visibility, trust, and connection across the community. Interested in bringing this impactful event to your school or getting involved? Contact the NCPC team to learn more at info@northcoastalpreventioncoalition.org.