Bits 'n' Pieces

Fentanyl Test Kit Delivery

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has expanded its Harm Reduction Program to include a mail-based delivery option for Long Beach residents seeking harm reduction supplies like fentanyl test kits, naloxone and educational materials at no cost.

DHHS’s Harm Reduction Program provides resources and education focused on substance use dependency, particularly opioid use, which is linked to misuse and accidental overdose. The expanded program allows residents with a Long Beach mailing address to request a free Harm Reduction Response Kit online and have it delivered discreetly to their home. Each mail order kit includes:

• Fentanyl and xylazine test strips
• Instructional and educational materials
• Two doses of naloxone, the nasal spray medication used to reverse opioid overdoses

Fentanyl detection kits are single-use tools that enable people to identify the presence of fentanyl in medications or substances before use, helping reduce the risk of accidental opioid overdose.

Residents interested in requesting a kit may visit longbeach.gov/harmreduction to complete an online request form. Orders are typically processed within 48 hours, with discreet shipping that generally arrives within three business days. The Health Department also offers no-cost community workshops and provider training on opioid overdose prevention and naloxone administration. Information on requesting training and viewing the workshop calendar is available online.

The program expansion is in direct response to City Council recommendations to develop a pilot program for the distribution of all-in-one fentanyl detection devices at no cost to residents and that addresses concerns related to equitable access to life-saving tools for residents most impacted by opioid-related overdoses and deaths. The item was brought forward in November 2024 by Second District Councilwoman Cindy Allen and co-sponsored by Third District Councilwoman Kristina Duggan and Sixth District Councilwoman Dr. Suely Saro.

“This program reflects our commitment to addressing the opioid crisis by ensuring our residents have equitable access to these life-saving tools,” said Second District Councilwoman Cindy Allen. “By protecting our residents who are most impacted by opioid-related overdoses, we are taking meaningful action to protect our entire community and are committed to further solutions.”

According to preliminary data from DHHS’s Vital Records Office, approximately 224 fentanyl-involved overdose deaths occurred among Long Beach residents from 2022 through 2024. Nearly half (49.5%) of these deaths occurred in residential settings, and most involved men ages 25 to 34. The impact was concentrated in several areas of the city, with zip codes 90813, 90802, 90805 and 90806 accounting for approximately 47% of the fentanyl-related overdoses during that period.

According to the CDC, cities nationwide are beginning to see declines in opioid-related overdose deaths, and Long Beach is among those experiencing improvement. Comparing preliminary data from 2023 and 2024, Vital Records shows a 39% decrease in fentanyl-related overdose deaths. This decline is attributed, in part, to expanded prevention efforts, increased awareness, access to no-cost fentanyl test kits and broader availability of naloxone.

“Expanding test kit access is a practical, evidence-based prevention strategy,” said DHHS Director Alison King. “Our goal is to ensure that every Long Beach resident has access to the tools, information and services needed to stay safe, healthy and supported.”

In 2023, DHHS was awarded funds from 2022 opioid settlements to create and develop activities that aim to reduce the effects of the opioid epidemic in Long Beach. These funds have supported several programs across the city, including the installation of sharps kiosks, training, workshops for residents, a youth-focused awareness campaign and more. The Health Department continues to coordinate a collaborative response to reduce negative outcomes from substance misuse by providing education, implementing harm reduction techniques, expanding treatment access and addressing health inequities.

These services, along with outreach, community engagement, and partnerships with local treatment and support providers, are client-centered and grounded in a harm reduction approach. People seeking support or treatment for opioid use disorder may contact the Harm Reduction Program or visit the city’s Community and Providers Resources Page to find local support services.

New Hospital CEO

Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach has appointed Lara Khouri, MBA, MPH, as its new chief executive officer, overseeing operations and strategic growth of pediatric specialty and maternity care. Her focus will include expanding Miller Children’s & Women’s specialized services and programs and enhancing access across the region, while strengthening Miller Children’s & Women’s legacy of physician-led, community-based collaboration.

“What distinguishes Miller Children’s & Women’s is not only the depth of clinical expertise, but the intentional integration of pediatric and women’s care under one model,” says Khouri. “This organization understands that excellence and compassion are not separate priorities – they must advance together. My focus is ensuring we continue to deliver highly specialized care while expanding access for families across the region.”

Khouri emphasizes family-centered care driven by innovation and technology. She envisions leveraging AI platforms, advancing research and digital capabilities, and maintaining a patient-and family-centered care model as key priorities for the future of Miller Children’s & Women’s.

“Operational excellence, innovation, and partnership will be critical to how we grow,” Khouri says. “By leveraging advanced analytics, research, and emerging technologies – while keeping patients and families at the center – we can scale responsibly without losing what makes this organization exceptional.”

Khouri previously served as president and chief operating officer at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where she led strategy, growth, and clinical transformation for more than a decade. She also held leadership roles at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

As a child, Khouri grew up in a family that advocated for people’s health. Her father was an ophthalmologist, and her mother managed the practice.

“Lara brings a rare combination of strategic discipline, clinical understanding, and mission-driven leadership,” says David Kim, M.D., president, MemorialCare. “Her ability to build nationally recognized programs while partnering with physicians and inspiring care teams positions Miller Children’s & Women’s for its next phase of growth in both pediatric and women’s health. It is especially meaningful that Lara’s first full month aligns with Women’s History Month – a time to recognize and celebrate the vital contributions of women.

“Welcoming a top woman leader like Lara to our organization underscores our commitment to advancing women in medicine and shaping the future of women’s and children’s health. Couple that with her profound commitment to mission-driven work makes her a perfect fit for our leadership team.”

Under Khouri’s leadership, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital will continue to emphasize its role as a teaching hospital, helping to train the next generation of pediatric subspecialists, maternal-fetal specialists, and OB-GYNs. She also plans to reinvest in programs critical to community needs, including regional transport services that ensure high-acuity patients from smaller community hospitals have access to the advanced level of care at Miller Children’s & Women’s.

“As a former Long Beach resident, this is a full circle moment for my family and me,” says Khouri. “I’m excited for the future of pediatric and women’s health care in Long Beach and beyond.”

Walk of Fame Inductees

The City of Long Beach, in partnership with the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, announced the honorees for the 2026 Motorsports Walk of Fame, NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver Alexander Rossi and the late Mayor Robert “Bob” Foster. The honorees will be inducted during a public ceremony on Thursday, April 16, ahead of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, April 17-19. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Walk of Fame.

“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Long Beach Motorsports Hall of Fame, it is our privilege to honor two legends who have been instrumental in shaping the history of the Grand Prix of Long Beach and the racing world,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “This year, we are celebrating the accomplishments of the two-time Long Beach winning driver Alexander Rossi and paying a meaningful tribute to the life and legacy of our beloved Mayor Bob Foster, whose dedication and leadership guided our city through some of its most challenging times.”

Rossi and Mayor Foster will be inducted into the Walk of Fame during a free, open-to-the-public ceremony at 11 a.m. in front of the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center on South Pine Avenue. During the ceremony, each honoree will unveil a 22-inch bronze medallion featuring renditions and descriptions of their major achievements, enshrining their contributions to motorsports on the Walk of Fame.

Rossi, an eight-time INDYCAR race winner, is one of the most successful American drivers of his generation, scoring and competing at the highest levels of international motorsport. Long before the Nevada City native became a global racing star, he kicked off his career at just 10 years old racing go-karts, winning multiple national and international karting championships in the first few years. In 2016, Rossi made history when he became the first rookie to win the Indianapolis 500 since 2001, and the first American rookie to win since 1928.

At 34, his impressive racing resume includes two Grand Prix of Long Beach wins, plus victories in Formula 2, World Series by Renault and the 24 Hours of Daytona, along with starts in Formula 1, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Baja 1000 and Bathurst 1000. To date, Rossi has gathered 97 Top 10 finishes, including 52 Top 5s and 30 podiums. The famed racer also celebrated a new milestone last year – becoming a father to his son, Ben, with his wife, Kelly.

Mayor Foster served two terms as Mayor of Long Beach from 2006 to 2014 through the worst economic downturn the city had seen since the Great Depression. Foster utilized his previous leadership experience as president of Southern California Edison and chief of staff for the Senate Public Utilities and the Transit and Energy Committee to navigate the instability the city faced. Under his leadership, the city achieved its first budget surplus in 14 years and the lowest violent crime rates seen in more than four decades.

Beyond City Hall, Foster’s impact was also significant. After he left office, the widely respected leader and dedicated public servant continued to serve Long Beach on local nonprofit and community boards. His unwavering support for the Grand Prix of Long Beach helped strengthen the city’s role as a premier racing destination. Mayor Foster, who passed away in November 2025 at age 78, was admired for his sharp wit, authenticity and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Mayor Foster’s wife, Nancy Foster, will accept the honor on her late husband’s behalf.

“On behalf of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, it’s a tremendous honor for us to welcome Alexander Rossi and Bob Foster into the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame,” said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, LLC President and CEO Jim Michaelian, a Walk of Fame inductee in 2025. “Alex has delivered two unforgettable wins on our streets, always competing at the highest level and earning the respect of our fans for his talent and determination. And Mayor Foster’s leadership and longtime support helped strengthen Long Beach’s identity as a world-class special event destination. Their inductions celebrate two very different – but equally important – contributions to the legacy of the Grand Prix in Long Beach.”

Following the ceremony, Rossi will be available to sign autographs.

The Motorsports Walk of Fame is a joint project of the City of Long Beach and the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. It was created in 2006 to honor key contributors to the sport of auto racing, with Dan Gurney and Phil Hill as the inaugural honorees, both of whom greatly contributed to the success of the early days of the Grand Prix of Long Beach. Since then, 40 honorees have been recognized.

The Walk of Fame is located in front of the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment building, across from The Pike at Rainbow Harbor entertainment complex on South Pine Avenue. New members are inducted every year as part of the week-long series of events leading up to the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Motorsports Walk of Fame took a hiatus in 2021 due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, visit lbmotorsportswof.com.

The induction ceremony kicks off the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend which brought more than 200,000 people to Downtown Long Beach in 2025. For more information, visit gplb.com, call (888) 827-7333.

AOP Scholar Program

The Aquarium of the Pacific announced the recipients of its third Community, Equity, Learning, and Persistence (CELP) Scholar Program. Fifteen students studying fields related to the ocean at Southern California higher education institutions have been awarded $10,000 each to support their academic pursuits. The CELP Scholar Program seeks to broaden participation in marine sciences, help more students find their own community in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and support students’ persistence in the field. With this program, the Aquarium looks to bring a greater variety of lived experiences to the challenge of ensuring a healthy and sustainable ocean for everyone.

“We are excited and proud to welcome these fifteen students to our growing CELP Scholar family. The program not only provides financial support but also allows each student the opportunity to make valuable connections with Aquarium staff and explore career paths in marine science,” said Jeff Flocken, Aquarium of the Pacific president and CEO.

The 2026 CELP Scholar cohort includes two students from community college, seven undergraduates from four-year programs, four master’s degree students, and two PhD students representing nine different schools in Southern California. Sixty-six percent of the recipients are the first in their family to attend college, and fifty-three percent are Pell Grant recipients. Scholars participate in a wide range of engagement opportunities curated by the Aquarium. Individuals receive one-on-one engagement with Aquarium staff to explore career paths and support their personal growth. As a group, CELP Scholars participate in community building events and development sessions. They join a growing community of peers in marine-related fields of study who can support, uplift, and learn from each other.

“The CELP community amplifies the voices of so many people with different paths and stories that many don’t get to hear often. Through it, I feel less alone in my journey and encouraged to continue through the hard times,” said Amarie Strong, a 2025 CELP Scholar. “My presence, and the presence of the other CELP Scholars alone has already made significant changes to the future of the field.”

Award recipient selection was informed by a committee of Aquarium staff, scholar alumni, and members of the community. You can hear from this year’s scholars by watching the video on the Aquarium’s website. Those interested in applying for the fourth year of the CELP Scholar Program can visit the Aquarium’s website in the fall 2026. For additional information about eligibility and the application process, please visit the Aquarium’s CELP Scholar Program webpage.

The CELP Scholar Program depends on philanthropic support. Your gift helps prepare the next generation of ocean leaders. Every donation makes a measurable difference. You can donate now to the CELP Scholar Program to invest in students.

Recipients of the AOP 2026 CELP Scholar Program

Angelica Chavez is a third-year undergraduate studying ecology and environmental biology at California State University, Dominguez Hills, where she recently joined the Sanchez Ecology Lab. As part of the lab, Chavez is learning to conduct research, as she supports the investigation of various bird species in urban environments. Chavez is passionate about environmental education and is interested in how applied science can be used in formal classroom settings. She credits a former teacher for believing in her and encouraging her to pursue STEM. She looks forward to doing the same for her future students as a middle-school teacher.

Camille Jones is a graduate student at California State University, Northridge pursuing a master’s degree in marine biology. Her research investigates the effects of anthropogenic stressors on nearshore fish nursery habitats in Mo’orea, near Tahiti. She looks forward to exploring the Aquarium’s community science programs and education initiatives that increase student access to STEM. In the future, Jones hopes to collaborate with Tribal partners on ecological research and outreach that inspires stewardship of nature.

Clara Abundio Castillo is a graduate student at the University of California, Irvine pursuing a master’s degree in conservation and restoration science. In her master’s program, she studies plant ecology and habitat restoration. Castillo is a proud member of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in STEM (SACNAS) and looks forward to bringing their supportive community culture to CELP. She is excited to explore conservation roles and strategies in an aquarium setting, advance her dive training, and adapt her science communication to the public.

Crystal Barajas will be finishing her master’s degree in biology in fall 2026 at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she will then start her PhD. Her research uses environmental DNA to measure biodiversity in marine ecosystems. Barajas is a founding member of Latinas in Marine and Aquatic Sciences (LIMAS), an organization that aims to build an inclusive and supportive community that expands access to mentorship, research experiences, and professional development for Latinas in marine and aquatic sciences. She looks forward to exploring Aquarium initiatives that serve Spanish-speaking communities. In the future, she hopes to partner with community scientists and use traditional ecological knowledge to build climate change mitigation strategies in historically marginalized communities.

Erika Johnston is a fourth-year undergraduate studying biology at Citrus College, where she is part of the Bridge to Geosciences and TRIO STEM communities. Johnston is interested in exploring Aquarium roles in animal care, conservation, and rehabilitation during her time as a CELP Scholar. As a first-generation college student, Johnston hopes to inspire environmental responsibility in her community. She looks forward to connecting with fellow scholars as they support each other’s growth.

Faizah Hossain is a third-year undergraduate studying organismal biology at California State University, Long Beach where she is the president of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics student council and of the Pre-Veterinary and Zoology Conservation Club. Hossain is part of the BREE Lab at CSULB, researching herpetofauna. She has multiple volunteer experiences, including her current role with the Aquarium’s bird, amphibian, and mammal team. As a Bengali woman, Hossain aims to increase the representation of South-Asian women in STEM for future young scientists. She hopes to pursue a career in veterinary care and conservation.

Faria Rashid Upama is a first-year undergraduate at the University of California, Los Angeles majoring in environmental science, with a focus in atmospheric and oceanic sciences, and minoring in creative writing. Upama is thrilled to learn about careers intertwining earth systems and environmental justice, grow her science communication skills, and bond with fellow scholars at the Aquarium. Inspired by her Bangladeshi family in East L.A., she is passionate about re-connecting marginalized communities to their rich history with the natural world. Upama aims to inspire youth in inner-city communities to ensure they, too, can see themselves as future scientists.

Jordan James Bond is a graduate student at the University of California, Irvine, pursuing a PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology. James Bond is a proud member of Black in Marine Science (BIMS) and Black Women in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Science (BWEEMS), and looks forward to fostering peer-to-peer mentorship within the CELP Scholar community. She’s interested in learning about the Aquarium’s outreach initiatives and contributing her research skills and life experience towards creating inclusive STEM spaces. In the future, James Bond hopes to mentor the next generation of scientists and inspire environmental responsibility in the community.

Julianna Colucci is pursuing a master’s degree in biology at California State University, Fullerton, where she is president of the school’s biology graduate student club and secretary of their SACNAS chapter. Her thesis investigates oyster shell dissolution under environmental stress in Southern California estuaries to inform coastal restoration efforts. Colucci is interested in learning how her research experience can be applied to conservation roles at the Aquarium. She looks forward to her growth as a mentor in the scholar community and a future career in restoration management.

Katy Perez is a third-year undergraduate at California State University, Long Beach studying marine biology. Perez is a research and outreach volunteer with the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro and enjoys combining art and science to support conservation. She’s interested in learning about conservation roles that work with endangered species at the Aquarium. In the future, Perez hopes to study cetacean social behavior to inform practices used with animals under human care.

Liz Garcia is a third-year undergraduate studying environmental biology at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where she works as a research assistant in two different labs. Since some of her lab work is terrestrial, she is interested in gaining more experience in marine ecology and looks forward to meeting Aquarium staff who work in conservation and education. As a CELP Scholar, Garcia is excited to connect with others in her cohort to build a new STEM community. Her previous experiences as an environmental educator and a teacher’s assistant contribute to her hopes of pursuing a PhD in the future.

Maria Teresa Rodriguez Rivera is a second-year undergraduate studying biology at San Diego Mesa College, where she is captain of the dive team. She will transfer to the University of San Diego in fall 2026. Rodriguez Rivera is doing a research program in the Fish Evolution Lab at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography studying behavior and evolution of the blind goby. As a CELP Scholar, she’s interested in exploring career paths that support animal conservation and meeting members of the Aquarium’s veterinary team. In the future, Rodriguez Rivera hopes for a career that protects animals, restores habitats, and increases community-wide sustainability practices.

Mia Martinez is a second-year undergraduate studying marine biology at the University of California, Los Angeles. She looks forward to reconnecting with the Aquarium after her previous experience while in high school as a VolunTEEN, which solidified her interest in pursuing marine science in college. Martinez is passionate about sharing her own lived experiences, so other underrepresented scientists feel less alone in the field. She’s eager to learn from scholar alumni who share her background and interests. In the future, she hopes to work in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.

Robert J. Dellinger is pursuing a PhD in atmospheric and oceanic science at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he researches the physical and social drivers of environmental change. He is a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow and is the co-founder of Climate Futures Studio and co-president of the Radical Imagination Club. Motivated by his Latinidad and queer identity, Dellinger is committed to building more accessible, inclusive pathways into science and strengthening community-centered STEM spaces. In the future, he hopes to become a professor who dismantles systemic barriers and increases representation for future generations of scientists.

Sandra Gomez is a second-year undergraduate at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, studying biology. She’s excited to build her confidence, gain hands-on skills as a scientist, and identify career paths that maximize her impact on environmental protection. As a first-generation woman in STEM, Gomez is motivated to build a community that provides a necessary support system for those that need it. She is interested in microscopic marine life and looks forward to exploring conservation and sustainability roles as a CELP Scholar.