From Gold Country Media.

PLACER COUNTY, Calif. – February 21, 2025 –  Placer County is once again at the forefront of the ongoing fight against the fentanyl crisis.

Placer County officials announced on Friday February 21, the launch of the state’s first-ever fentanyl probation educational program and impact panel. The concept is similar to a program used by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), which educates convicted drunk drivers about the dangers and repercussions of driving while drunk. 

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The bill calls for the Placer County Probation Department to partner with the District Attorney’s Office, Health and Human Services, Placer Re-entry Program, and Stanford Medicine-Reach Lab to create a working group to develop the curriculum.

“AB 890 is a continuation of the collaborative, education-based efforts we have been implementing in Placer County,” said Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire. “The lethality of fentanyl has changed the criminal justice landscape and increased the need for education to those convicted of possessing, selling, or transporting this dangerous drug. This program may just be the tool that saves lives and Placer County, once again, is leading the way.”

“From day one I’ve made clear that we must take a multi-pronged approach to fully address the fentanyl crisis, including education, treatment, and accountability. AB 890 ensures those convicted of fentanyl-related crimes will no longer be able to say that they did not know the lethal risks,” said Assemblyman Joe Patterson. “The bill not only offers rehabilitation services, but also gives prosecutors the tools to hold those who peddle this poison in our communities accountable.”

The program, offered by Placer PREP, includes educational materials on the effects of fentanyl to the human body, symptoms of an overdose, the current legal landscape, the effect of fentanyl on communities and more, said the Placer County District Attorney’s Office. 

It also includes a panel that is inspired by what MADD uses, which includes people who have lost someone to fentanyl, people who used to be addicted to fentanyl, people who used to sell fentanyl or related substances and family members of people addicted to fentanyl – showing program recipients a diverse range of impact. 

The program will be made available through Stanford Medicine-Reach Lab for all counties across the state interested in implementing this critical law.

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