The Lassen County Office of Education recently shared an important message about the dangers of fentanyl after a student tested positive for it. This incident highlights the urgent need for awareness about this serious drug, which affects people from all walks of life.
From January 21-24, the Lassen County Office of Education trained over 1,500 students on the risks associated with fentanyl. This synthetic opioid is extremely potent—up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Just a tiny amount can be deadly. It is often disguised as legitimate medication, putting many unknowingly at risk. Fake prescription pills that look like common medications such as Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, and Xanax are being produced by criminal networks. There’s a high chance that any pill bought off the street could contain fentanyl, which means that what seems harmless could actually be life-threatening.
It’s crucial for parents to have honest discussions with their kids about the dangers of fentanyl and the risks of taking any pills or substances not prescribed by a doctor.
Using fentanyl can lead to serious health issues, including:
- Slowed breathing
- Reduced blood pressure
- Nausea
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Coma
- Respiratory failure
- Death
If you suspect someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, remember that naloxone (Narcan) can be a lifesaver. It works quickly to reverse the effects of an overdose and restore normal breathing.
Here’s what to look for in an overdose:
- The person does not respond when you speak or touch them.
- Breathing is very slow, erratic, or has stopped.
- Their lips or fingernails are turning blue or purple.
- Their pupils are extremely small.
If you suspect an overdose:
- Call 911 immediately.
- If you have naloxone (Narcan), use it.
- Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
- Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
- Stay with them until help arrives.
Lassen County Public Health provides free Narcan to residents. To get Narcan for your home, call Lassen County Public Health at (530) 251-8183.
For more information on fentanyl awareness, visit the Lassen County Office of Education’s website.
