Notice of Synthetic Drugs/Fentanyl Dangers

Pupil Safety – Parental Notification on Synthetic Drugs

Overview

Assembly Bill 889 (AB 889), a bipartisan measure signed into law on July 27, 2023, adds Section 48985.5 to the California Education Code. This law requires public schools, county offices of education, and charter schools to annually inform parents and guardians about the dangers of synthetic drugs, including fentanyl, at the start of each school year.

The Growing Danger of Fentanyl

The misuse of opioids and prescription medications is an ongoing concern, but fentanyl use has risen dramatically across the U.S., posing a severe threat to public health.

"Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered," said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. "Fentanyl is everywhere. From large metropolitan areas to rural America, no community is safe from this poison."

Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than morphine and is increasingly found in counterfeit pills and other substances, including marijuana and vaping products, making it nearly impossible to detect. Schools and families must stay informed to help prevent overdose deaths and fentanyl poisoning among youth.

The best prevention is talking to your student about never taking any medication that doesn’t come from their doctor.  This includes never taking pills, even from friends.  This is a conversation that can literally save your child’s life. 

 Other prevention strategies include:

• Open Communication: One of the best ways to protect youth from substances is by having open communication and educating them on the risks of substance use. Listening to them without judging is a critical tool you can provide as their trusted adult.

• Look for Changes in Behavior: Look out for changes in behavior, such as irregular eating or sleeping patterns, low energy, general signs of depression or anxiety, unusual irritability, slipping grades, lack of interest in activities they love, and even drastic clothing style changes. Trust your instincts. If you notice a change, ask about it.

• Monitor Social Media: Talk to your child and monitor their social media use. The online environment provides platforms for people to sell substances. Substances can be offered by someone met online

How to recognize a fentanyl overdose? 

• Cannot be woken up or is not moving

• Breathing is slow or absent

• Discoloration of lips and nails

• Choking or coughing, gurgling sounds

• Cold or clammy skin

• Dizziness or disorientation

• Pupils extremely small

If you think someone is having an overdose, call 911 immediately and wait with the person until help arrives.

Here are some trusted resources for information on opioid and fentanyl prevention, addiction support, and emergency help:

National & Government Resources

1. DEA One Pill Can Kill – Information on counterfeit pills and fentanyl dangers.
   🔗 https://www.dea.gov/onepill

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Opioid Overdose Prevention
   🔗 https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/

3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

• Find treatment services: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (Free, Confidential, 24/7)

• Opioid Treatment Programs: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

4. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Science-based information on fentanyl and addiction.
   🔗 https://nida.nih.gov

5. Stop Overdose California – Resources on naloxone, overdose prevention, and treatment options.
   🔗 https://www.stopoverdose.org

Youth & School-Based Prevention Programs

1. Song for Charlie – Education campaign about fake pills and fentanyl risks.
   🔗 https://www.songforcharlie.org

2. National Fentanyl Awareness Day – Resources for schools, parents, and youth.
   🔗 https://www.fentanylawarenessday.org

3. Partnership to End Addiction – Parent-focused guidance and prevention tools.
   🔗 https://drugfree.org

Emergency & Support Services

1. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Free support for individuals in crisis or struggling with substance use.
   📞 Dial 988 or visit 🔗 https://988lifeline.org

2. Never Use Alone Hotline – For people using substances who want a safety check.
   📞 1-800-484-3731