The nation is facing a frightening epidemic that is taking the lives of many young people, and Texas is not exempt. Across the country, and in Central Texas, the dangerous drug fentanyl is wreaking havoc on families and communities.

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What is fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid typically used to treat patients with chronic severe pain or severe pain following surgery. Under the supervision of a licensed medical professional, fentanyl has legitimate medical use.

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) website, illicitly manufactured fentanyl is often used in counterfeit pills purchased on the street – sold as something else like Xanax, Percocet, or oxycodone. While fentanyl may be present in pills, it can also be found in more commonly used products such as vape cartridges.

What can you do?

• Talk to your children. Tell them that ANY pill they get from a friend or purchased online or off of the street could be a counterfeit pill containing fentanyl. Only take medication that was prescribed by a doctor, purchased at a pharmacy, and approved by parents or guardians.   
• Learn about the fentanyl crisis and help spread the word that this is a dangerous situation. Visit the Centers for Disease Control website’s Fentanyl Facts page as a starting point: https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/index.html)  
• Ensure that your child delivers all medications, including over-the-counter medications, to the school nurse for distribution. Students should not carry any medications with them at school, nor share them for any reason.   
• Reach out to your school nurse, counselor, or social worker with any specific concerns, or if you need additional resources that are unique to your family.

Are campuses prepared?
Pflugerville ISD secondary campus nurses and police officers are equipped with Narcan, a potentially life-saving medication designed to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.