Opioid abuse continues to be a problem in communities throughout Texas. Fentanyl abuse is on the rise. Fentanyl can be found in many forms, including pills, powder, and blocks that can resemble sidewalk chalk or candy. Any pill (regardless of its color, shape, or size) that does not come from a healthcare provider or pharmacist can contain fentanyl and can be deadly.
Fentanyl is extremely potent and it only takes a very small dose, 2 milligrams about the size of the tip of a pencil, to be lethal. Please speak with your children about the dangers of fentanyl and ingesting any medication not prescribed to them by their doctor and given to them by a trusted family member or adult.
The Victoria Independent School District has obtained Naloxone Hydrochloride (Narcan) and has policy to administer Naloxone Hydrochloride (Narcan) for emergency medical aid to any person suffering from an opioid overdose at the secondary school campuses. VISD has trained staff at the secondary level to administer Naloxone Hydrochloride (Narcan) in the case of an emergency beginning January 3, 2023. To keep our students safe, we are reminding students not to ingest any medications unless they are given to them by their parents, trusted family member, or a known and trusted adult, and not to eat any unwrapped or unpackaged candies at school.
For more information about Fentanyl:
https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/DEA-OPCK_Parent%20flyer.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/pdf/Fentanyl_Fact_Sheet_508c.pdf
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/HEALTH-ADVISORY-Multi-Colored-Rainbow-Fentanyl