I am William Bodner, Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles Field Division and I’d like to welcome you to Operation Engage!
As we all know, there are far too many non-fatal and fatal drug overdoses affecting our communities, and sadly, these numbers are increasing. In response, DEA has moved toward community-level collaborative efforts to help reduce these numbers through education and awareness, using our wide range of resources.
Through Operation Engage, our division will focus on Southern California, targeting the fentanyl drug threat. Other components of Operation Engage include:
- Stakeholder/Community Gatherings: To share the latest information about drug trends, drug threats, and other related pertinent information.
- The DEA’s Citizens Academy: DEA recognizes the importance of forging strong alliances with local communities and maintaining collaborative relationships with community leaders. The DEA’s Citizens Academy offers participants the opportunity to understand the world of federal drug law enforcement and the important role the DEA and the community together, play in combating drug trafficking, drug misuse, and related violence.
- Youth Engagement: Through programs like the DEA Educational Foundation Youth Dance Program and in collaboration with CADCA and the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, children of all ages will be able to actively participate in age-appropriate activities, designed for them to learn and gain the most knowledge about the dangers of drugs in a fun way.
- Community Outreach Programs: DEA, along with stakeholder involvement, will concentrate efforts in the communities most affected by fentanyl use. In those targeted communities, the Los Angeles Field Division will participate in facilitating prevention strategies to include, but not limited to, drug prevention training and technical assistance for communities, coalition outreach, and prescription drug take back events to name a few.
These are only a few of the many resources and opportunities we have available to share with our communities.
I invite you, and your families, to explore our Operation Engage webpage to learn about the many resources we have available. Learning as a family, early on, is the first step in avoiding drug experimentation, drug misuse, drug addiction, and all related behaviors that are plaguing our communities.
Always at your service,
SAC Bodner
Top Local Drug Threat
Local DEA officials have identified fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, as the area's top drug threat.
In California, there were over 3,200 opioid-related deaths in 2019. Approximately half were due to fentanyl.
Learn more about how the opioid epidemic is affecting specific counties in Southern California on the California Opioid Overdose Surveillance Dashboard.
See Related: Get the latest information from the DEA about fentanyl from the 2020 Drug Threat Assessment.
Drug Information
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80-100 times stronger than morphine. Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for pain management treatment of cancer patients, applied in a patch on the skin. Because of its powerful opioid properties, fentanyl is also diverted for abuse.
Fentanyl is added to heroin to increase its potency, or be disguised as highly potent heroin.
Check out this list of local organizations that provide services to the public regarding addiction, community empowerment, drug education and prevention, drug take back programs, recovery, and overall health and wellness.
DEA Youth Dance Program
Latino Prevention Project California Hispanic Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, INC.
Los Angeles County, Department of Public Health
San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health
Social Model Recovery
Tarzana Treatment Centers: Antelope Valley Marijuana Alcohol and Pharmaceutical
Prevention Coalition (AVMAPP)
Here is a list of our local Operation Engage partners.
Los Angeles County, Department of Public Health
Los Angeles Sparks
Milken Institute
Mentor Foundation USA
Safe Med LA Coalition
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Senator Melendez Office-Riverside
Tarzana Treatment Centers
United States Attorney’s Office | Central District of California
Information for Local Partners
Are you looking for new funding opportunities for your organization? Check out two that are currently available through the Office of Justice Programs that might be of interest.
FY 2021 Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program
(Grants.gov Deadline: April 13, 2021 11:59 PM, JustGrants Deadline: April 27, 2021 11:59 PM)
*nonprofit organizations and tribal for-profit organizations are eligible to apply
OJJDP FY 2021 Mentoring for Youth Affected by the Opioid Crisis and Drug Addiction
(Grants.gov Deadline: March 30, 2021 11:59 PM, JustGrants Deadline: April 13, 2021 11:59 PM)
*nonprofit and for-profit organizations are eligible to apply
Looking for local prevention resources specifically for young people? Check out this list below:
Day One
Day One trains middle school, high school, and college students to be positive role models,
ambassadors for healthy lifestyles, and informed and engaged members of their communities.
Based on the social influence model, which has been determined by CSAP, NIDA, OJJDP,
US Department of Education as an effective prevention approach, youth are educated about
public and community health issues - such as understanding the health impacts of poor diet,
alcohol/drug use, and sedentary lifestyles - and how to effect positive, lasting change in their
communities. Our program also covers techniques to resist social pressures, support others in
making healthy choices, and determining positive alternatives.
Day One Pasadena Youth Advocate Program
Meets every Wednesday at 4 pm
bit.ly/DayOneYA (case sensitive)
Instagram Account: @day1do
Day One Pomona Youth Advocate Program
Meets every Wednesday at 4 pm
bit.ly/dopomona
Instagram Account: @dopomona
Day One El Monte Youth Advocate Program
Meets every Wednesday at 4 pm
bit.ly/elmonteya
Instagram Account: @dopomona
Go to FindTreatment.gov to search for general drug treatment facilities in your area. On this site, you can find facilities that offer various payment options (including free and no-cost care), youth treatment facilities, special programs for Veterans, plus more.
Otherwise, enter your zipcode below to find substance abuse treatment facilities in your area.
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist that rapidly binds to opioid receptors, blocking heroin from activating them. An appropriate dose of naloxone acts in less than 2 minutes and completely eliminates all signs of opioid intoxication to reverse an opioid overdose.
Finding Naloxone in LA
Due to the statewide standing order, Californians can get naloxone without a prescription at pharmacies across the state.
See where you can find the anti-overdose drug here.
No-Cost Food Giveaways
Food is a basic need. For many people who turn to substance misuse, one of the main concerns is dealing with stress factors such as lack of food.
L.A. County has the resources to help. Find out where you or your family can get free food near you.
Webinar: Talking with Children About Violence
Life Care is hosting this free webinar that provides parents with information on keeping children safe from violence. The session will cover the prevalence of violence, talking to children about violence, safety strategies and preventive skills and recognizing reactions to violence.
Date: April 14, 2021
Time: 12:00 p.m. Eastern
Take Back Day
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs at locations in communities throughout the country.
Date: April 24, 2021
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: locations across the country
For more information, visit the official Take Back Day website.
Connect With Us!
Stay up to date with the Operation Engage initiative in Los Angeles by following:
DEA Los Angeles Twitter account @DEALOSANGELES, and the hashtags:
#OpEngageSoCal and #EngagewithSoCal
