To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Michelle Bushnell and Supervisor Mike Wilson
Agenda Section: Initiated by Board Member
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Resolution to Address the Sale, Distribution, and Use of Nitrous Oxide in Humboldt County (Supervisor Bushnell and Supervisor Wilson)
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Hear the staff report from Public Health;
2. Adopt the attached resolution addressing the sale, distribution, and use of nitrous oxide.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
DHHS-Public Health Funds (1175)
DISCUSSION:
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a colorless gas that is commonly used as an anesthetic for dental and other medical procedures, as well as being used as a charging agent for whipped cream cannisters. The use of nitrous oxide for recreational drug purposes has become popular and has been linked to serious health problems, which can cause physical and mental illness, injury and in some cases, even death. Nitrous oxide is often sold in canisters called “whippits” and can be purchased at smoke shops.
With this resolution, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors and DHHS-Public Health identify nitrous oxide as an important local issue as they are easily accessible and are dangerous when inhaled and can negatively impact children and youth.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact for adopting this resolution regarding nitrous oxide.
STAFFING IMPACT:
There is no staff impact for adopting this resolution regarding nitrous oxide.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Framework.
Core Roles: Protect vulnerable populations
New Initiatives: N/A
Strategic Plan: 1.4 - Reduce and/or eliminate substance abuse and opioid addiction in our community
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to approve the adoption of the Nitrous Oxide Resolution; however, DHHS-Public Health advises the Board of Supervisors to approve.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Nitrous Oxide Resolution of the Board of Supervisors County of Humboldt
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A