Overdose Awareness Day

Shining a Light on the Hidden Crisis in Schools.

Every year on August 31 Overdose Awareness Day raises awareness about the ongoing drug crisis. According to Texas Health and Human Services, five Texans die each day from Fentanyl poisoning. While much attention is often given to adult populations, it's important to highlight that substance abuse, including the use of dangerous drugs like Fentanyl, is alarmingly prevalent in schools.

The Hidden Crisis 

Substance abuse among students is a growing concern that often goes unnoticed until it's too late. The emergence of Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has escalated this issue to a critical level. Fentanyl is significantly more potent than heroin or morphine, making it incredibly dangerous. Even a tiny amount can lead to overdose and death. According to pediatric mortality data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 1999 to 2021 the mortality rate from Fentanyl soared more than 300 percent. In 2021 Fentanyl made up 84% of teen overdose deaths, tripling from 2019 to 2021. 

The Importance of Awareness 

Overdose Awareness Day serves as an important reminder that drugs remain a pervasive threat in our communities, including our schools. By bringing attention to this issue, we can work towards creating a safer environment for our children. Here are a few steps we can take to address this crisis: 

1. Education: Educate students about the dangers of drug use, particularly the lethal risks associated with Fentanyl.  

1. Parental Involvement: Parents play a vital role in prevention. Open communication about the risks of drugs and recognizing the signs of substance abuse can help parents intervene early. 

Overdose Awareness Day is not just about remembrance but about action. We must use this day to renew our commitment to fighting the drug epidemic in our schools. Increasing awareness and communicating with our students helps them understand that they can always reach out to an adult for support in locating the right resources. Talking to your primary care provider about resources for students is a great option. Within a Healthcare Highways network, you can always find high-quality providers in your area who are ready to offer the best possible resources or refer you to a specialist.  

Source: 

db457.pdf (cdc.gov) 

Fentanyl: One Pill Kills | Texas Health and Human Services 

Drug Overdose Deaths Among Persons Aged 10–19 Years — United States, July 2019–December 2021 | MMWR (cdc.gov)