The Office of the Medical Examiner Confirms Carfentanil Death

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – The County of Santa Clara Office of the Medical Examiner confirmed the first overdose death in Santa Clara County due to carfentanil last week. The deceased was a 39-year-old male who was found dead with M30 pills, counterfeit pills made to look like prescription oxycodone. The Medical-Examiner advises people not to consume M30 pills which may be laced with carfentanil.  

Carfentanil is not approved for human consumption. It is a synthetic opioid approximately 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Most opioid pills found on the street are fake, made to look like real prescription medications and come in different types, shapes and colors. 

“Using drugs alone increases the risk of death. We urge people to avoid the dangers of opioids, especially fake pills that may contain carfentanil or fentanyl,” said Dr. Michelle Jorden, Chief Medical Examiner and Neuropathologist in the Office of the Medical Examiner. “Fake pills look real, but they can be deadly. People should not take any pill that they did not buy from the pharmacy.” 

Narcan (naloxone), a lifesaving drug, should always be administered in the event of a potential opioid overdose. People should call 911 immediately if they encounter someone who is unresponsive and administer Narcan if they have it. Other harm reduction strategies like using fentanyl test strips can also reduce the risk of overdose.

“We believe that every life matters and no one should die of an overdose. That’s why we offer evidence-based harm reduction services proven to reduce the risks of overdose and disease for people at any stage of use or recovery. We reach the community with tools like the overdose-reversing medication naloxone, drug test strips, and help getting into treatment when someone is ready,” said Dr. Akanksha Vaidya, Assistant Health Officer for the Harm Reduction Program.

Santa Clara County offers a full continuum of substance use treatment, including outpatient and residential programs, and medications for addiction treatment. People who are struggling with a substance use disorder and need help can contact the Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Call Center at 800-704-0900 or dial 988 for support.

Find help and additional information at ODFreeSCC.org, an online resource for overdose data, harm reduction supplies like naloxone and fentanyl test strips, access to drug treatment, and other information.

“In 2022, the Board of Supervisors declared a public health crisis around mental health and substance use in our County. The Behavioral Health Services Department is teaming up with County-run programs and community partners to expand treatment options for people battling substance use disorders. If anyone you know is struggling, please reach out. Help is available -- and act now: treatment is available,” said Dr. Cheryl Ho, Behavioral Health Medical Director for Substance Use Treatment Services (SUTS) and the County of Santa Clara.

Narcan (naloxone) can reverse an overdose and be lifesaving. The Santa Clara County Opioid Overdose Prevention Project now offers free naloxone by mail to anyone 18 or older who anyone who lives in Santa Clara County. Each kit includes a link to a training video and an information packet on naloxone and overdose response. To obtain naloxone or learn more about substance use treatment services, call 408-272-6055, email [email protected] or visit fentfacts.org.

 
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About the County of Santa Clara, California
The County of Santa Clara government serves a diverse, multi-cultural population of 1.9 million residents in Santa Clara County, California, making it more populous than 14 states in the U.S. The County provides essential services to its residents, including public health protection, environmental stewardship, medical services through the County of Santa Clara Health System, child and adult protection services, homelessness prevention and solutions, roads, park services, libraries, emergency response to disasters, protection of minority communities and those under threat, access to a fair criminal justice system, and many other public benefits.

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