SafeRx Santa Cruz County

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SafeRx Santa Cruz County

Leveraging Community Collaboration to Prevent Substance Use Deaths in Santa Cruz County.

SafeRx Santa Cruz County (SafeRx) is a local substance use safety coalition comprised of social service, government, behavioral health, and healthcare organizations dedicated to aligning and accelerating best practices for opioids and other substances, as well as current best practice guidelines to reduce death. As a program by the Health Improvement Partnership (HIP), SafeRx works towards a healt

hy, thriving, safe, equitable Santa Cruz County. Our initiatives include prevention, increased treatment access (particularly with proven-effective Medication for Addiction Treatment), and evidence-based, harm reduction practices, to improve community well-being and save lives.

04/23/2026

Happy Earth Day 💚🌿🌎
Shoutout to our partners at The Hook Outlet Dispensaries for stepping up as a Narcan distribution site—making this life-saving resource available for free to the community.
Their Soquel Dr location, Tree House, is also helping protect our planet with a drop-off box for old v**e batteries, carts, disposables, juice, etc. 🌍
Note: ID is required to enter the cannabis section, but anyone can access the art space and the v**e recycling drop box.
Community care means taking care of each other and the Earth🌏🌱

E-Cig Waste Report from Truth Initiative
https://truthinitiative.org/sites/default/files/media/files/2021/04/E-Cigarette-Waste-Report-FINAL-042821.pdf

01/31/2026

Treatment and Recovery are JOURNEYS worth celebrating. Everyone’s journeys are unique and we are not growing alone so please reach out to your loved ones. Journeys are not a straight line towards a singular destination, be patient with yourself. Every milestone is worth celebrating, no matter how small. You've got this!
Taking the first step towards recovery from a substance use disorder can be difficult. But remember, it's a sign of strength. If you or someone you know needs help, there are people who care. You’re not alone. Help is available. findsupport.gov
Also check out the link in our bio for local resources.

01/28/2026

Did you know that effective treatment of substance use disorder can include medications, counseling and recovery support? This combination is a proven approach to recovery.
MAT stands for Medication for Addiction Treatment.
MAT services are available in Santa Cruz, Ca. Check out the link @ bit.ly/matscc to look at our county directory for MAT services. Or check out the link in our bio.
Learn how to better support and treat your patients: samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders
Keep up to date on the latest guidelines and evidence-based practices for the treatment of opioid use disorder. samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/waiver-elimination-mat-act

01/21/2026

New Year, New Beginnings. If you're seeking help for alcohol or other drug use, treatment options are available. You’re not alone!
Small steps lead to big changes. This New Year, focus on one day at a time, because every day is a new opportunity to make healthier decisions. If making changes to your substance use are part of your 2026 goals, take the first step: Connect with resources or reach out for support.

Check out the linktree in our bio for local resources.

Learn more from SAMHSA:
samhsa.gov/families
samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders
Visit findtreatment.gov for more.

01/17/2026

Everyone deserves a path to recovery, and treatment can be the first step. Whether it’s for yourself, a loved one, or a patient, support and resources are available.

Providers: you make a meaningful difference. From short-term changes to long-term recovery, every step forward counts. SAMHSA offers tools to help you better support your patients: samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/provider-support

Check out the linktree in our bio for local resources.

01/13/2026

January marks the first national Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, led by SAMHSA. This month highlights resources that connect people to the support, treatment, and care they deserve. It’s a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and share resources that help individuals access the treatment they need—because seeking help is a sign of strength, not shame.

Check out the linktree in our bio for local resources.

Check out the Samhsa website for lots of information and resources on substance use disorders and treatment as well as mental health resources. https://www.samhsa.gov/

12/31/2025

This time of year can be especially challenging for those in recovery. Share support and compassion. Always remember—you are not alone.

One excellent resource is the Never Use Alone phone number at 800-484-3731 or 877-696-1996, 24/7 – 365 days a year- they’re website is NeverUseAlone.com

SAMHSA offers resources for alcohol and substance misuse: samhsa.gov/find-help
Check out local resources in the linktree in our bio.

Many may experience loneliness around this time, and it can be especially hard for those grieving a loved one. Let your loved ones and other people in your community know they’re not alone this season, and that if they’re struggling, help is available. samhsa.gov/coping-bereavement-grief
Credit to Samhsa for the images 1&3

12/20/2025

This “cheerful” season can also be a difficult and stressful time. That's why it's so important to stop and listen to your own needs, too. Remember to take a break. It’s OK to focus on yourself, your self-care, and your overall health and wellness this season.

Here are some ways to show yourself some comfort & joy:
samhsa.gov/find-support/how-to-cope
https://ctrinstitute.com/blog/10-cool-ways-beat-winter-blues/
Check out the linktree in our bio for local resources on substance use recovery.

Feeling down around the holidays is common, but it’s different from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Knowing the difference can guide support and treatment. Learn more about SAD and how to get help: samhsa.gov/mental-health/seasonal-affective-disorder. Credit to Samhsa for the images 1-3.

11/20/2025

📆SafeRx Santa Cruz County invites you to the 5th Annual Local Drug Trends Convening. Join us for an in-depth review of the latest local data and emerging trends impacting our community. Engage in discussion on the challenges our community faces related to opioids, fentanyl, and other substances, and to strategize effective, collaborative solutions.

📈Featured presentations include:
🔹Fatal Drug-Related Overdoses
🔹Non Fatal Overdose Trends
🔹Emergency Room Visits & Continuity of Care
🔹Drug Trafficking & Seizes

➡Register at bit.ly/ALDT2025

💌This convening is a great opportunity to understand how substances are impacting lives in our communities. We encourage you to share this invite with colleagues, partners, and community members.

💙Email [email protected] for any questions, comments, concerns, or requests for accommodations.

11/17/2025

🎉Thank you to everyone who joined us at
the Tri-County Summit: State of the Fentanyl Crisis &
Our Regional Response!
🗓On October 16th, over 100 attendees from 40+
organizations came together for a powerful day of
learning, collaboration, and community healing.
🙏 Huge gratitude to our amazing partners Central
Coast Overdose Prevention & the San Benito County
Opioid Task Force. Your collaboration made this summit
possible!
💬 The day was filled with impactful presentations on:
- The past, present, and future of the fentanyl crisis
- Local data & community outreach
- Cross-sector solutions for lasting change
📸 Missed the event?
No problem! Check out the graphic notes by Leslie
Salmon-Zhu and explore all the resources from the
event at
bit.ly/TCCFSresources
👇 Drop your favorite moment or takeaway in the
comments!
Let’s keep the conversation going 💭💙

10/31/2025

Wishing everyone a HAPPY HEALTHY HARM REDUCTION HALLOWEEKEND! 🎃👻🍂

There are lots of places in our county that have Narcan for free. Our website has a directory on where to get Narcan/Fentanyl Test strips as well as educational resources on Fentanyl.
English: https://www.hipscc.org/naloxone
Spanish: https://www.hipscc.org/naloxona-espa%C3%B1ol

For folks in recovery, Halloweekend parties can be a trigger to relapse. Whether it is you or your loved one, please prioritize your health and recovery this season. Making a party exit plan with friends, finding sober events, and even throwing your own event can all be options to honor your recovery this holiday. Here is a website with some helpful Halloween tips and many more resources on recovery: https://www.gatewayfoundation.org/blog/halloween-in-recovery/

For more information on substances and consent check out this resource from Brown University. https://bwell.brown.edu/resource/substances-and-consent Research shows that alcohol and other substances are often used by perpetrators to facilitate pre-meditated violence, so please look out for your friends and communicate safety plans in advance.

To learn more about the Santa Cruz Police Department Enhanced Safety Zone this weekend, check out their press release: https://www.santacruzca.gov/City-News-Press-Releases/CORRECTION-Halloween-2025-Safety-Enhancement-Zone

Address

Santa Cruz, CA

Telephone

+18314305606

Website

http://www.hipscc.org/saferx

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