Fatal overdoses have quadrupled in Marin in the past few weeks. From Feb. 14 through March 1, there were five suspected fentanyl-related overdose deaths—a rate four times higher than normal. The overdoses, which are occurring across Marin’s towns and cities, are linked to methamphetamine use and are affecting those with known risks. The spike has come with corresponding surges of those substances in wastewater and the number of 911 calls for non-fatal overdoses. “We’re experiencing a cluster of fentanyl overdoses in our community currently,” Marin County Public Health Officer Matt Willis said. “We see addiction in every Marin community. It’s important to double down on things that can protect against fatal overdose. Overdoses are now the leading cause of death for Marin residents under age 55, surpassing cancer. Fentanyl—a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine—has turbocharged the opioid crisis since its introduction to the Bay Area in 2015 and is responsible for roughly 60 percent of overdose deaths in the county. According to the county’s OD Free Marin campaign, the number of overdose deaths in 2021 jumped to 61, up from 42 in 2020. The cause was primarily fentanyl. Deaths from overdoses were more than 10 times the number of Covid-related deaths in 2021. Fentanyl has ravaged urban, suburban and rural areas, causing overdoses among longtime drug users and first-timers alike. “Drugs may contain deadly levels of fentanyl, and you wouldn’t be able to see it, taste it or smell it,” according to the Centers for Disease Control. “It is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl unless you test your drugs with fentanyl test strips.” The best way to avoid an overdose is to not use drugs. However, Mr. Willis said there are three things users can do to avoid a fatal overdose: carry Narcan, avoid using drugs alone and apply testing kits to your drugs. Marin County Health and Human Services and the West Marin Community Response Team have worked to educate residents about Narcan, and they have distributed it to over 40 partner organizations, local businesses and residents. According to the response team, six lives have already been saved as a result.  Reversing overdoses can take at least three kits of the medication. You can get free boxes of Narcan, each with two kits, at the following locations: The Tomales Town Hall, the San Geronimo Valley Community Center, the Bolinas Community Center, the Inverness Fire Station, the Point Reyes Pharmacy, West Marin Human Health Services, West Marin Community Services, the San Geronimo Commons Food Bank.