Fentanyl and Opioid Awareness
LCPS is committed to raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and opioids. Below is some information about Fentanyl, opioids and other dangerous substances and what you can do to protect your student.
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. However, illicit fentanyl is illegally made and sold as a powder, pills, liquid or nasal spray. Other drug products like marijuana, cocaine, heroin or unlawfully sold medications thought to be prescription medicine may be laced with illicit fentanyl without the user's knowledge.The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) shared that laboratory testing has indicated that seven out of every 10 pills seized by the DEA contained a lethal dose of fentanyl. A dose of fentanyl the size of the tip of a pencil is considered a lethal amount.
Click the image to download the PDF
Naloxone
Loudoun County Public School students are permitted, with parent/ guardian approval, to carry naloxone, the opioid overdose-reversing medication. Parents/guardians must complete the Naloxone Authorization. Several LCPS school staff have been trained to administer naloxone and several doses of naloxone are available at each LCPS school. Please read the information under Student Information and School and Staff Resources below for more details.
Community Outreach
LCPS hosts fentanyl awareness and information sessions throughout the year. Please check back for upcoming events.
These events will provide parents/guardians with tips for talking to their students about the dangers of fentanyl and fake pills and what to do in a drug-related emergency. The awareness event will include a panel discussion -- including community members who have lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning -- that will provide guidance to help you keep your loved ones safe.