Fentanyl Awareness
Fentanyl Flyer English
Dinwiddie County Public Schools cares about the safety, health, and well-being of our students, and we consider this one of our highest priorities. As part of our ongoing commitment to support our students in making healthy, informed choices, we want to share important information with you regarding fentanyl—a growing concern in communities across the country.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often found mixed into other substances, including pills and powders, without the user’s knowledge. Just a very small amount—equivalent to a few grains of sand—can be extremely dangerous, and even fatal.
Why Are We Talking About This?
Unfortunately, fentanyl-laced substances have become increasingly common and are contributing to accidental overdoses among young people, including teens. Many of these cases involve counterfeit pills that look like prescription medications but contain fentanyl. These substances are often obtained through social media or peer networks and may be misused without fully understanding the risks.
We know these are difficult topics, but knowledge can be a powerful tool in keeping our students safe.
How You Can Help at Home
We encourage you to have open, honest conversations with your child about the dangers of fentanyl and other substances. Here are a few suggestions:
- Talk regularly, and without judgment, about peer pressure and decision-making.
- Emphasize that pills or powders not prescribed by a doctor and not obtained from a pharmacy can be dangerous and should not be consumed.
- Encourage your child to speak with a trusted adult if they ever feel unsure or unsafe.
- Familiarize yourself with signs of drug use and overdose. Consider learning how to use naloxone (Narcan), an emergency medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.
Thank you for being our partner in keeping students safe and informed. By working together—as educators, parents, and a caring community—we can make a meaningful difference.