The Fentanyl Crisis
As many of you may be aware, drug overdoses, specifically fentanyl overdose, are at an all-time high. In 2021, over 100K people died from drug overdoses driven by fentanyl, and the fastest-growing group is under 19. At Wayne-Westland Community School District, we take this seriously.
The first step in addressing the crisis is awareness. Research strongly suggests that having ongoing discussions with students about the harms of substance abuse can have a lasting positive effect. We hope this document from a leading organization on drug prevention, Natural High, and the information below opens up the door to having honest conversations. After all, one life saved can start with one conversation.
What is fentanyl?
Illegally made fentanyl is sold through illicit drug markets for its heroin-like effect, and it is often mixed with heroin or other drugs, or pressed into counterfeit prescription pills. (Source: CDC)
Fentanyl can be deadly
According to Natural High, 4 out of every 10 pills contains a potentially lethal dose. An amount of fentanyl the size of two grains of salt is enough to cause a fatal overdose.
Talking with students: Explain the reality
This Public Health Insider article explains how to talk with teens about fentanyl.
“An effective conversation with youth about fentanyl will focus on listening and facts, not judgment. Listen first: Ask the student non-judgmental questions. Is fentanyl something that you’ve heard about on the news, or at school? What have you heard?”
Resources for Your Families
Dead on Arrival - Documentary Addressing Fentanyl Crisis
Natural High provides a 20-minute documentary film along with a Film Screening Guide for educators with discussion questions. Documentary and Screening Guide Here
Natural High Fentanyl Fact Sheet
A printable infographic (paper size: 8.5″ x 14″) with everything you need to know about Fentanyl. Infographic Here
Pledge to Live Naturally High
Join the thousands of young people who are taking the pledge to live drug-free. Take the Pledge Here