According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 88,000 drug overdose deaths happened in the United States from August 2019-August 2020 marking the highest number of deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period.
Health experts are finding a synthetic opioid called fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs to increase potency.
Fentanyl is about 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. It is legally used by doctors to help patients manage pain for severe illness.
Local emergency room doctors on the Monterey Peninsula say more patients, including teens, are being treated for drug overdoses and deaths.
The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District wants to ensure parents, students, and the community have access to information about the impact of drug/alcohol use among students.
In partnership with Montage Health, we have some critical life-saving details surrounding fentanyl.
Fentanyl can come in several different forms: Pills, powders, syrups, laced into other drugs, or added to vape pens
Here's what some vape pens can look like (Centers for Disease Control)
Fortunately, there is a life-saving drug that can reverse the potentially deadly effects of fentanyl should someone experience an overdose. Nasal naloxone can be administered by anyone and can be obtained from a local pharmacy without a prescription or from community resources.
MPUSD also has extensive mental health resources available through our schools and community partners.
If you or someone you know is at risk:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741