Gwinnett County tackles Fentanyl crisis at town hall event

During a recent government meeting, Gwinnett County officials addressed pressing community issues, including the alarming rise in Fentanyl misuse and upcoming local events aimed at enhancing public safety and community engagement.

Commissioner Watkins announced a town hall meeting scheduled for Saturday, July 27, from 10 AM to noon at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center Auditorium in Lawrenceville. The event will focus on the concerning statistics surrounding Fentanyl, which accounted for 69% of drug-related fatalities in 2023. The town hall will feature a screening of the Emmy Award-winning docu-series \"UPFRONT Fighting Fentanyl,\" followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A.

In addition to the town hall, Commissioner Watkins highlighted a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on June 20, from 8 AM to 11 AM at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. Residents can safely dispose of up to five containers of hazardous waste at no cost, promoting environmental safety and community health.

Commissioner Holkamp also shared information about a public forum on short-term rentals in Gwinnett, set for July 24, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM. This task force aims to address concerns related to short-term rentals and transitional housing needs, with recommendations to be presented to the board of commissioners.

Additionally, Holkamp reminded attendees that the Gwinnett Police's Operation Children Thrive Back to School Drive will conclude on July 17, encouraging community members to donate school supplies for local youth.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the agenda and minutes from previous meetings, setting the stage for further discussions on community initiatives and safety measures.