Los Angeles County has launched Rewriting LA County’s Story, a bilingual anti-stigma campaign to increase awareness about and access to overdose prevention services. The program also aims to combat stigma for people who use drugs and sustain the progress made in reducing overdose deaths.

Neighborhood events, billboards, radio spots, social ads and a community engagement bus will highlight how L.A. County is addressing the overdose crisis with new approaches. The campaign features the contributions of community partners who save lives by building trust and connecting individuals to health care, substance use treatment, lifesaving supplies and jobs. A new website – bylaforla.org – includes images and videos of resilient individuals who rewrote their stories.

Overdose deaths dropped by 22% in L.A. County in 2024 – the largest single-year drop on record. However, there is still more work. More than 2,400 people died last year, and disparities exist for Black and Latino residents. Overdose remains the largest preventable cause of death in L.A. County, resulting more deaths than gun violence and car crashes combined. Drug overdoses are the leading cause of death for adults under age 50.

“We invite the public to learn more about the comprehensive services available across Los Angeles County – and to join us in rewriting L.A. County’s story,” said Dr. Christina Ghaly, director of the Department of Health Services. “With this work, we want to prevent people from landing in our emergency rooms after overdoses. We are connecting individuals with the support they need to achieve healthy, stable and fulfilling lives and we are treating them with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

“About 95% of people with a substance use disorder do not seek treatment, not because they don’t want help, but because our systems have not always made it safe or welcoming to do so,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of the Department of Public Health. “We can and must do better. Through compassion and connection, we can reach individuals living with substance use disorders through harm reduction programs, drop-in centers, outreach teams and campaigns like this one. It is a reminder that every person’s story matters. It challenges us to see people not by their lowest moments, but by their capacity to heal, recover, and contribute.”

In preparation for the public awareness campaign, L.A. County’s research partners conducted a survey of more than 1,600 residents. The results showed overwhelming support for harm reduction and overdose prevention services For information, visit bylaforla.org.