Dear Families and Staff,

As you may have seen in recent news coverage, multiple public agencies are working to heighten awareness of the opioid epidemic, specifically around the recent uptick of recreational drugs contaminated with Fentanyl.  We would like to inform parents, students, and staff members of resources we can employ together to protect our students.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Even the smallest amount of fentanyl—the size of a few grains of sand—can be lethal.  According to the US Drug Enforcement Agency, Rainbow fentanyl—fentanyl pills and powder that come in a variety of bright colors, shapes, and sizes—may be a deliberate effort by drug traffickers to drive up the addiction of young adults.

What we are doing:

In a concerted effort to keep our students safe on campus, we have staff training on the Fentanyl Crisis among California’s youth. Moreover, in order to effectively respond to the potential for an overdose on campus, select staff members will be attending training to provide emergency medical aid to students experiencing an opioid overdose, including the administration of Narcan (Naloxone).

How you can help: 

  • Have conversations with your children about this issue. Please take a moment to review the document HERE, which provides a good overview of what all parents and caregivers should know about Fentanyl. 

  • Consider sitting down with your student to watch a video HERE. It’s an 8-minute investment that may save a life. 

  • If you’re concerned someone in your life is at-risk for opioid overdose, carry the overdose reversal medication naloxone (Narcan). Narcan has no adverse side effects and is available without a physician prescription at most pharmacies in Kern County. Walk-in distribution sites are also offered, see HERE

  • If you find any pills, do not touch them. Call local law enforcement for removal.

  • Contact the 24/7 Kern County Mental Health & Substance Use Access & Assessment Hotline at 1-(866)-266-4898.

More information can be found at the following links: 

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) — One Pill Can Kill 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) 

Drug Free Kern 

Thank you for helping us to take steps for a safer environment, and for supporting our students’ health and wellbeing.

 

Sincerely,

South Fork Union School District