Los Angeles city leaders are taking action to address an alarming fentanyl addiction crisis in MacArthur Park. Located in the Westlake neighborhood, which is predominantly working-class and Latino, the community is suffering devastating consequences due to the widespread use and sale of this synthetic opioid. Tragically, people are overdosing and dying, and the neighborhood is experiencing a spike in shoplifting as individuals seek money to buy fentanyl. Additionally, residents are losing access to crucial public park space in one of the most densely populated areas of Los Angeles.
A comprehensive investigative report by the Southern California News Group (SCNG) sheds light on the severity of the fentanyl addiction crisis in MacArthur Park and Westlake. The report prompted Los Angeles officials to describe the situation as “devastating.” Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, who represents MacArthur Park, expressed her determination to tackle this crisis, stating that there are over four overdoses every single day in that neighborhood alone.
The SCNG investigation revealed that the community lacks adequate substance use and homeless services to meet the growing demand. Hernandez expresses frustration with the lack of attention given to their neighborhood, especially considering the high number of deaths. Mayor Karen Bass acknowledges that the fentanyl epidemic is a matter of life and death, and she is committed to working closely with partners to improve community safety in MacArthur Park.
Hernandez proposes several strategies to support homeless individuals, residents, and small business owners impacted by the fentanyl crisis. These strategies include convening stakeholders and service providers, offering alternatives to police response for certain 911 calls, establishing a harm reduction services center, funding a mobile overdose prevention team, launching an overdose prevention campaign, and providing a new street-cleaning team. Hernandez hopes for strong support from both the city council and the mayor’s office.
Mayor Bass emphasizes the importance of launching a pilot program that would connect individuals in need to residential substance use treatment facilities. She also highlights the need to strengthen existing efforts such as street medicine teams, daily outreach services, and supportive housing. Bass believes that no one should die on the streets and that all residents should feel safe in their neighborhoods.
At the state level, Assemblymembers Miguel Santiago and Reggie Jones-Sawyer are advocating for resources to combat the fentanyl epidemic. They aim to address the problem as a public health crisis rather than a criminal justice issue. Hernandez agrees with this approach and hopes that state legislators will recognize the failure of past policies and prioritize service-oriented strategies instead. Jones-Sawyer has introduced the Fighting Fentanyl Bond Act of 2024, a measure aimed at funding public health interventions, education campaigns, drug deterrence efforts, violence reduction, and research on emerging drugs.
Despite these efforts, the MacArthur Park Neighborhood Council faces challenges in guiding solutions to the fentanyl crisis due to a lack of community engagement. Only one person ran for a seat in the last election, rendering the council unable to function. However, Alex Schoenner, the sole council member, is working with the city to revive the organization by encouraging more community members to run for seats in November.
Overall, the fentanyl addiction crisis in MacArthur Park demands immediate action from city leaders and state legislators. By prioritizing service-oriented approaches, expanding access to treatment facilities, and fostering community engagement, there is hope for addressing this devastating crisis and improving the lives of those affected in MacArthur Park and beyond.
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