Downtown Stockton, California, overview shot.Photo byGetty Images
Stockton, CA — As the opioid crisis escalates across California, Stockton has emerged as one of the most affected cities, with a surge in fentanyl-related overdoses and drug-related crimes overwhelming local communities. Health officials and law enforcement agencies are increasingly concerned, as addiction and mental health challenges continue to fuel the crisis, putting immense pressure on public health services.
In 2024, Stockton reported a sharp rise in opioid overdoses, particularly involving fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. According to local reports, the city saw a 30% increase in opioid-related deaths compared to the previous year. Law enforcement and first responders are constantly dealing with overdose emergencies, further stretching the city’s resources…