Sponsored
The city of Long Beach has added mail delivery to its Harm Reduction Program, providing free overdose prevention supplies to residents.
The service, sponsored by the Long Beach Department of Health, provides free fentanyl test kits, naloxone, and educational materials to residents. The goal is to reduce accidental substance overdoses, especially opioids.
There are also a wide range of free and low-cost addiction recovery programs across the city. We’ve identified some of the best free drug rehabs in Long Beach and throughout the Golden State.
How Harm Reduction Kits Work
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson noted, “Overdose prevention is about protecting lives and meeting people where they are.” He emphasized the city’s commitment to making public health services accessible and responsive to the community.
Residents with a Long Beach mailing address can request a free harm reduction kit online through the city’s website.
Each kit includes fentanyl test strips and two doses of naloxone nasal spray to reverse opioid overdoses. The test strips help people identify drugs cut with fentanyl before using them to reduce the risk of accidental overdoses.
Department staffers process orders generally within 48 hours. Kits arrive in about three business days. They also offer free workshops and training on overdose prevention and naloxone administration.
The Crisis of Fentanyl Overdoses
The need is urgent. Long Beach reported approximately 224 fentanyl related overdose deaths between 2022 and 2024. Almost half occurred in homes and most involved men ages 25 to 34. Nearly half of these overdoses occurred in just four of the area’s 20+ zip codes.
Despite the alarming statistics, preliminary data show a 39% decline in fentanyl related deaths from 2023 to 2024.
City leaders attribute the decline to prevention efforts and wider availability of test kits and naloxone.
They also credit increased community awareness. Officials hope the program’s overdose reduction strategies will lower the deaths to zero.
Broadening Your Addiction Recovery
People seeking support for opioid use disorders can contact the Harm Reduction Program or visit Long Beach’s Community and Providers Resources webpage.
If you or a loved one is need of treatment, you can search rehabs.org’s directory of low cost rehab centers. You can also call
800-914-7089
(
Sponsored)
for more information.
More Stories Like This
