The Opioid epidemic is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. *In 2019 the misuse and addiction to opioids including prescription pain relievers, and heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, claimed the lives of almost 50,000 people.
The following serves to inform educators and parents about opioid use, signs of overdose, and provides information about effective treatment that is available and can save lives.
*Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid, like heroin or morphine, but 50 - 100 times stronger. It is a prescription pain killer used to treat severe pain, especially after surgery. Fentanyl has recently been in the news because of overdose deaths linked to people unknowingly taking dangerous amounts that were mixed with other drugs or medication. This is causing overdose deaths in Santa Clara County and throughout the country.
Letter from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) alerting schools about the dangers of Rainbow Fentanyl (September 21, 2022)
News Release: Santa Clara County Office of Education Increases Fentanyl Awareness (May 10, 2022)
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In the News:
December 8, 2022 - Los Angeles Times: Narcan could be required California schools after youth fentanyl overdoses
November 7, 2022 - Mercury News: Fentanyl crisis: New California bill aims to stop kids from overdosing at schools after two kids nearly die in San Jose
October 10, 2022 - KCTV5: High School in Oak Grove, Mo. hosts forum in response to fentanyl poisonings
Latest Resources:
Fentanyl & Overdose Prevention Communications Toolkit - Social Media Messaging from the California Department of Health (CDPH) Office of Communications
Opioid Prevention Toolkit - U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
2022 Naloxone Training Resource Guide: developed for local education agencies (LEAs) who are exploring opportunities to implement the emergency use of naloxone on school campuses. This guide provides information, best practices, resources, and tools informed by the latest available research.
Emoji Drug Code: Decoded - be familiar with emoji codes used on social media platforms to buy & sell fake prescription pills, commonly laced with deadly fentanyl.
