Substance Abuse Awareness: Fentanyl Crisis

Attention Parents/Guardians:

Da Vinci Schools is aware and concerned about the fentanyl crisis we are seeing across Los Angeles County and the nation. As part of our ongoing efforts to keep the health and well-being of your child and our school community a top priority, we are providing this notification with information so you are fully informed of the fentanyl crisis, intervention and prevention strategies we are implementing, and how you can help keep our students and school community safe in the event of a fentanyl occurrence.

What is fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a high potency synthetic opioid that is colorless and odorless and can cause rapid respiratory depression resulting in accidental death. It is both a prescribed drug, as well as a drug that is used illegally.
Illegally manufactured fentanyl is sold illegally as a powder, dropped onto blotter paper, put in eye droppers and nasal sprays, or made into counterfeit pills that look like other prescription opioids. Importantly, fentanyl is also being mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA.

Da Vinci Schools Prevention and Intervention Strategies

Parents and guardians should initiate age-appropriate conversations with their children about substance use. (See resources here)
Student-facing fentanyl awareness education will be integrated into advisory classes to promote awareness over the next weeks
Da Vinci Schools is establishing a stock Naloxone, also known as Narcan, medication program.
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids when given in time.
We have received a standing order for the medication from the state and ordered a supply for all school sites. Once the medication is received, we will train designated staff volunteers at every site who can administer naloxone in an emergency situation.
At this time, staff is trained to identify an opioid overdose and call 911. School Resource Officers also carry naloxone and would also be contacted in the event of suspected opioid overdose.

Tips for Parents and Guardians to Talk About Drug Use with their Child(ren)

Parents and guardians should be prepared, get informed, and have some background knowledge on fentanyl, the fentanyl crisis, and substance use before starting the conversation with their child(ren). (See resources here)
Parents and guardians should use honest language that emphasizes their family values and concerns around drug use.
Review the following resources for tips on how to start the conversation:
SAMHSA: Why You Should Talk With Your Child About Alcohol and Other Drugs
Harvard Health: Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kids
DEA/Discovery Education: Operation Prevention: Parent Toolkit

If you would like additional information or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Emily Green, Director of Health Services at (310) 725-5800, Ext. 1039, and/or Vicente Bravo, Chief Administrative Officer, at (310) 725-5800, Ext. 1308.