Alpine County declares emergency over surge in fentanyl overdoses

A 63-percent surge in fatal fentanyl overdoses over the past 14 months prompted Alpine County Sheriff Tom Minder to declare an emergency, which was ratified by Alpine County supervisors on Monday.

The surge has primarily affected the Washoe Hung-A-Lel-Ti Community, including several near-fatal overdoses, have overwhelmed local emergency services, public health resources, and law enforcement.

“Alpine County is facing a public health crisis of unprecedented proportions,” said Alpine County Sheriff Tom Minder. “Our rural nature and limited resources have hindered our ability to adequately respond to the situation, which is why we are calling for urgent assistance from state and federal agencies.”

It has been eight months since four people were found dead after a Feb. 11 South Lake Tahoe Super Bowl party, poisoned by fentanyl-laced cocaine. Among the dead were Gardnerville resident Daisy Jo Bankofier’s sons Clifford and Adam Joy.

As part of the emergency declaration, the following actions have been taken:

Local Emergency Ratification: The Board of Supervisors has ratified the emergency declared on Sept. 30. The emergency will remain in effect for up to 60 days unless further extended or terminated based on the evolving situation.

Resource Mobilization: Alpine County departments and agencies have been instructed to take all necessary actions to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens. This includes requesting mutual aid as necessary to support emergency medical responses, public health efforts, and law enforcement activities.

Collaboration with State and Federal Authorities: The declaration has been forwarded to the Governor of California, requesting that Alpine County also be declared in a State of Emergency. The county is seeking assistance under the California Disaster Assistance Act and is requesting the Governor’s support for a State Declaration of Emergency.

Alpine County officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity or potential cases of fentanyl distribution. The opioid epidemic, particularly the rise of fentanyl, poses an ongoing threat, requiring enhanced collaboration between law enforcement, public health officials, emergency medical responders, and community organizations.

In the coming weeks, the County’s Director of Emergency Services will continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates to the Board of Supervisors.