Long Beach is gearing up for a youth-driven event aimed at tackling the opioid crisis with fresh eyes and fresh ideas. Scheduled for October 18 at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library, the "Youth Opioid Awareness Showcase" will spotlight the work of young locals who’ve been deeply engaged in the fight against an epidemic that’s shown little mercy to communities across California. The event, free and open to all ages, will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., as reported by the City of Long Beach’s official press release.
"Their input and leadership exhibited through this program have been an essential part of building a healthier, more equitable Long Beach for everyone," said Mayor Rex Richardson, according to the City of Long Beach press release. Attendees will hear from seven youth who have poured their experiences and perspectives into their artwork and social media campaigns. The showcase will provide them a platform to discuss the creative journey behind their projects which aim at educating and mobilizing their peers on the issue.
The concept for the showcase, "Hear Us: Help Each Other and Redirect," encapsulates the multifaceted approach these Long Beach youth are taking: education, advocacy, and solution-forging. In the past seven months, the Youth Opioid Awareness Campaign, launched back in March 2025, has reached approximately 35 young individuals citywide, having them lead focus groups and create original zines that merge storytelling with harm reduction strategies. Through art and dialogue, these young activists are breaching the barriers of traditional communication methods in addressing the opioid crisis.
Health and Human Services Director Alison King highlights the importance of incorporating young voices in the ongoing battle against opioid misuse. "Listening to youth perspectives provides us with critical insights that traditional approaches often miss," King said, emphasizing that their hands-on involvement is key in crafting policies that are grounded in real-world experiences and targeted towards sustainable community outcomes – a statement corroborated by the released information of the City of Long Beach.
Funding for both the campaign and upcoming showcase was sourced from the California Opioid Settlements, a reserve earmarked for countering the opioid dilemma within the state. Further details about the fund can be found at the California Attorney General's office website. For more information on the event itself, or for those looking to register, visit longbeach.gov/harmreduction.
The city of Long Beach, serving as the host for this event, boasts a population of around 466,000 residents. Recognizable for its vibrant local culture, neighborhood variety, and bustling downtown, Long Beach embodies a metropolitan city’s attributes with a keen community conscience. The city is also a noted tourist and business destination, home to landmarks like the iconic Queen Mary and the nationally acclaimed Aquarium of the Pacific. More information about the city and updates on community events are available through its social media accounts and on the official city website, longbeach.gov.
