Dear Windsor Families:
Like you, I am devastated by the news of the fentanyl-related overdoses of several students in Santa Rosa. As parents and school leaders, everything we do is about keeping our kids safe. The loss of any child is a tragedy, but to lose them in such close succession, and to the terrifying scourge of fentanyl, is even more frightening. My heart breaks for the families who have lost children, and I know you join me in sending them your deepest condolences.
While we hope such things never happen, tragedies like this do provide an impetus to discuss difficult topics with our own children. Though we wish it weren’t the case, the reality is fentanyl is a growing issue here in Sonoma County. While the abuse of opioids and other prescription medication has been an issue nationwide, there has been a sharp rise over the last few years in fentanyl being found in unrelated drugs and pills. While we hope no child ever chooses to experiment with illegal drugs, the reality of fentanyl makes any such experimentation a thousand times more dangerous. While we have yet to have a fentanyl case in any of our schools, it would be naive to think it could not be accessible to the students in our community.
According to the CA Department of Public Health, illicit fentanyl can come in nearly any form, including “pills, powder or blocks that look like sidewalk chalk or candy.” We are urged to make sure that all know that any pill (regardless of color, shape, size) that does not come from a health care provider or pharmacy can contain fentanyl and be deadly.
Alarmingly, the CA Dept. of Public Health has found that youth-related ER visits for opioid overdoses have tripled over the past few years, while youth-related opioid deaths have increased by 625% in our state during the same time period.
These are sobering statistics and the natural question is what can we as parents, educators, and the wider community do?
Talk with your child about the information in this letter so that they know the risks of buying, selling, sharing, or using prescription medication and other drugs. They need to be aware of the unseen danger fentanyl poses.
If you are concerned someone in your life may be at risk for opioid use and overdose, carry the overdose reversal medication naloxone (Narcan). It has no adverse side effects and is available without prescription in most pharmacies. All WUSD school sites have Narcan on hand, and have trained staff on its use should it be necessary.
Even if you are confident your child is not at risk for opioid use, you may want to consider acquiring fentanyl test strips. These strips allow for easy and immediate testing of any substance for the presence of fentanyl, and are available locally and from online retailers such as Amazon.
Teach your child and family that if they find any pills, drugs, or items resembling the description of fentanyl above, DO NOT TOUCH THEM. Call local law enforcement for their removal.
If you or your child is aware of any fentanyl in the area, please call local law enforcement. Speaking up may save a life!
Call the National Substance Abuse and Mental Health hotline if you or a family member are struggling with drug use - 1-800-622 4357. They will connect you with local resources and care providers.
You can find more information and resources here:
The New Drug Talk: How to talk to children about fentanyl.
Virtual Workshop on Opioids and Fentanyl: An April 17 workshop, part of SCOE’s ongoing series of free virtual workshops for parents and caregivers, will cover opioids and fentanyl.
Sonoma County Syringe/Harm Reduction Services: Resources from the County of Sonoma that include information on accessing Narcan and fentanyl test strips.
Bilingual Grief and Fentanyl Resources for School Families and Staff
As a parent and educator, I ask you to take these concerns seriously. Please spend some time educating yourself on the realities of this terrible drug, and I request that you take the time to talk about it with your kids. As a community, we need to come together to keep our families safe and free from the dangers of these drugs.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Decker
Superintendent
Windsor Unified School District
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