- Los Angeles Unified School District
- Fentanyl Awareness
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Fentanyl Awareness
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Welcome to the District's web page dedicated to fentanyl awareness. This page is part of the ongoing efforts to increase awareness on the fentanyl crisis plaguing the nation and our schools.
In response to the opioid crisis, the District has implemented a stock Naloxone program. Naloxone, often referred to as the brand name Narcan, is a life-saving medication that can be sprayed into a nostril to reverse an opioid overdose. When given in time, the medication restores normal breath to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose.
The District is actively training on-site administrators, nurses, and personnel to administer naloxone in an emergency situation. We continue to partner with health organizations and engage in interdivisional collaborations to raise awareness, prevent drug use, and reduce harm.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, is a prescription drug used to treat severe pain. Prescribed fentanyl is colorless, odorless, and can cause rapid respiratory depression resulting in accidental death.
Illegally-made fentanyl, often referred to as "street" fentanyl, is sometimes mixed with other highly addictive and dangerous drugs like heroin and cocaine. Sometimes, street fentanyl is made with bright colors to resemble candy and appeal to youth.
Please beware that even one small dose of street fentanyl, the equivalent of 5-7 grains of salt, can be deadly.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with substance abuse, there is a free helpline available toll-free, 24/7, year-round, with interpretation as an option provided by the Los Angeles County’s Substance Abuse Service Helpline (844) 804-7500.
For more information on the opioid epidemic, please refer to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website: Understanding the Epidemic.
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FAQ
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Is there real prescription medicine in the pills you buy on social media, online, or on the street?
No, there is no real prescription medicine in any of the pills you buy on social media, online, or on the street. Criminal drug traffickers are mass-producing illegal fentanyl and processing it in fake prescription pills made to look like real pills or hiding it in other illegal drugs. This is deliberate and deceptive.
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Is there a chance I can become ill or overdose from being exposed to fentanyl without ingesting it?
Yes, there is a possibility that when you come into contact with fentanyl, depending on the purity and circumstances, that it can create bad reactions. Contact local law enforcement or school officials if you find something that may be fentanyl.
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Can I trust pills that I get from someone I know, friends, followers on social media?
No. It is important for students to be aware of the extreme risks involved in taking a substance that wasn’t provided by a trusted medical professional. We cannot stress enough that the pill a friend gives you could contain fentanyl. They may not even realize it, but unless it is from a trusted medical professional, you cannot trust it.
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If the pill is stamped with markings such as “M-30” does that mean it’s real and safe?
No. Drug dealers are designing these fake oxycodone prescription pills to look like real prescription pills down to the size, shape, color and stamping. These fake prescription pills typically resemble real prescription opioid medications such as oxycodone (Oxycontin®, Percocet®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), and alprazolam (Xanax®); or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall®).
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If I take half a fake pill will that lessen my chances of overdosing or being poisoned?
No. These fake pills are produced in unregulated, filthy labs. The mixture is very irregular and can vary from one pill to another. An example of this would be a chocolate chip cookie. One half of a cookie may have more chocolate chips than the other half. Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl, the amount that fits on the tip of a pencil, can potentially kill someone.