LOS ANGELES — The Youth Justice Coalition, an organization dedicated to helping youth and formerly incarcerated people succeed, is turning their young members into teachers to combat fentanyl use.

Through the program Street Cred, the members are health promoters who educate the community on the dangers of fentanyl and train people on how to use Narcan.

This is as deaths by fentanyl overdose increased 30% from 2020 to 2021 in Los Angeles County. The program members set up at resource fairs, outside of churches, and visit schools providing this information. The initiative serves as a valuable educational tool and also provides youth who have been expelled or incarcerated with a sense of purpose and responsibility.

By being surrounded by supportive adults and actively participating in the program, they develop life skills that contribute to their future success.