THE KIDS (Aren’t) ALRIGHT

BY KASIA PAWLOWSKA

Marin’s reputation for health is on par with its reputation for wealth, but appearances can be deceiving. Appearing in everything from recreational drugs like cocaine as well as fake Xanax pills, fentanyl’s prevalence and path of devastation has prompted Marin County health officials to shift approaches. RxSafe Marin, which successfully reduced the impact of prescription opioids, has rebranded to OD Free Marin. On average, there is more than one fatal overdose or drug poisoning each week in Marin, and 57% of the 65 fatal overdoses in 2021 were directly tied to fentanyl. Teens deaths resulting from fake prescription drugs laced with fentanyl that they buy unwittingly via social media or on the street is of especially high concern. In response to this and escalating rates of teen binge drinking, a number of both grassroots and other organizations have popped up. Here are some. odfreemarin.org

Let’s Talk Marin

A public resource developed to help parents and caregivers to navigate teen alcohol consumption and other substance abuse. letstalk marin.org

Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships

A professional nonprofit with a large volunteer base focused on creating healthier environments for Marin’s kids. marinhealthy youthpartnerships.org

Wellify Teen

A non-profit dedicated to helping parents understand the kind of mental health support their teen needs and how to find resources. wellifyteen.org

Heart of the Village

An all-volunteer organization in Southern Marin providing a forum to discuss issues impacting the community. heartofthe village.org

Be The Influence

A parenting program which seeks to delay adolescent substance use and prevent harmful consequences associated with underage use. betheinfluence.us

Raising the Bar

A campaign aiming to change social norms around the consumption of alcohol and other substances at youth-oriented events. raisingthebar marin.org