In a letter to parents, guardians and staff, the Kern High School District laid out steps to prevent drug overdoses of teenagers that have ingested opioids or fentanyl pills.

The letter comes after growing concerns among students and parents about potential overdoses within the district.

According to the California Department of Public Health: Brightly-colored fentanyl (referred to as rainbow fentanyl) has been identified as a new trend according to the United States (U.S.) Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) [1]. Rainbow fentanyl can be found in many forms, including pills, powder, and blocks that can resemble sidewalk chalk or candy. Any pill (regardless of its color, shape, or size) that does not come from a health care provider or pharmacist can contain fentanyl and can be deadly. Fentanyl is 80-100 times more potent than morphine and 40-50 times more potent than heroin and, as a result, is a major cause of overdose for unsuspecting individuals.

KHSD offers these tips on what to do if your child has ingested opioids or fentanyl:

• If you’re concerned someone in your life is at-risk for opioid overdose, carry the overdose reversal medication naloxone (Narcan). Narcan has no adverse side effects and is available without a physician prescription at most pharmacies in Kern County.
  
• If you find any pills (images of pharmaceutical Percocet and Oxycodone can be viewed here: Percocet and Oxycodone, for reference), do not touch them. Call local law enforcement for removal.
• Speak with your student about this information so they know the risks of buying or sharing prescription medication and that these pills are out there.
• Call local law enforcement if you or your student have seen these pills. Speaking up may save a friend’s life!
• Contact the 24/7 Mental Health & Substance Use Access & Assessment Hotline (888-818-1115) to get help for a friend or loved one struggling with substance abuse.
  

The Kern High School District said in a statement: "Since the Summer of 2021, our Student Behavior and Supports Department has facilitated over 40 presentations to students, staff, and /or parents through our substance abuse specialists and community partners."

They have done the following since:

• Early identification of students who are starting to use opiates
• Educating staff in how to identify students under the influence and how to respond
  
• Personnel throughout the district have been trained in the use of Narcan
• Ongoing drug counseling opportunities at our school sites
• Referral to outside resources for students and families