Castleberry ISD Joins Statewide Effort to Raise Fentanyl Poison Awareness in October
October is Fentanyl Poison Awareness Month and Castleberry ISD is joining school districts across the state to raise awareness about the increasing threat posed by Fentanyl to the health and safety of youth. Fentanyl is a man-made, Schedule II narcotic that has reached a growing number of communities of all sizes across Texas and has impacted so many lives. Throughout the month, the district will share facts about the dangers of Fentanyl with parents via ParentSquare and the community on the district’s Facebook and Instagram.
Fentanyl is a manufactured opiate drug that is generally used in the medical field to treat severe pain. It is often used in emergency situations and given by paramedics and in emergency rooms.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), within the last two years, teen overdose deaths related to Fentanyl have tripled. Over half of all overdose deaths are related to Fentanyl use. Death from Fentanyl overdose happens when the respiratory system slows, or not enough oxygen gets to the brain.
Sadly, an underground market has developed for this drug, and it is often marketed to youth. Fentanyl can come in many forms and in some instances, has even been disguised as candy. Even the smallest amount can be lethal. It is often mixed with other drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Prescription medications can also be laced with it. Oftentimes, the teen has no idea that what they are taking has Fentanyl in it.
Community Fentanyl Forum
On Tuesday, October 24 at 6:00 PM, Dr. Kim Scales, a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) and practicing Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-S), and her team will facilitate a Community Fentanyl Forum at Irma Marsh Middle School. Parents will learn more information about this drug, the trends, and how to prevent their teen from becoming its next victim.
RESOURCES
Castleberry ISD's Fentanyl webpage
Texas Health and Human Services: Fentanyl
STOPit, Castleberry ISD's anonymous reporting tool