- Andrew Kehoe
- Director of Communications
- (661) 381-6957
- andrew.kehoe@asm.ca.gov
(Sacramento, CA) July 16, 2024 – The Kern County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to approve the allocation of just over $8 million in state funding secured by Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D-Delano) to various programs combating the spread of fentanyl.
Dr. Bains detailed the plan to the Board, with $4.16 million going to local law enforcement and $4 million to medical providers to enhance substance use and addiction services.
“This funding is not a silver bullet, but it is a great start to combating one of the most challenging problems in our community right now. We need enforcement and treatment, not one or the other,” said Dr. Bains.
In her first year representing Kern County in the Assembly, Dr. Bains fought for this funding as part of a local fentanyl task force. Dr. Bains is an expert in addiction medicine and has been using that expertise at the state level to craft policy and push for more investment in fighting emerging drug threats.
These allocations will be used for specialized rapid response units concentrating on drug suppression and community education. The task force approach also helps local law enforcement take a regional approach to enforcing and investigating drug trafficking.
- Kern County Sheriff’s Office – $700,000
- Delano Police Department – $700,000
- Arvin Police Department – $700,000
- Shafter Police Department – $700,000
- Wasco Police Department – $250,000
- McFarland Police Department – $250,000
- Kern County Probation Office – $200,000
The Kern County District Attorney is also receiving $660,000 to enhance the capabilities of their crime lab.
Here is the breakdown for the healthcare and addiction services:
- Kern Medical – $1,000,000 for expanding a fellowship program and medication assistance recovery clinic.
- Clinica Sierra Vista – $1,000,000 for expanding specialized healthcare workforce and increased access to street medicine.
- Kern County will be releasing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for up to $2,000,000 for emergency diversion and sobering center services.
In addition to this funding, Dr. Bains secured $5 million for the City of McFarland to help build a new police station and $5 million for the City of Wasco so they could create their own police department.
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