LCPS High schools had an outbreak of fentanyl overdoses in October of 2023. More than eight students had an overdose in the span of three weeks making students and staff deeply disheartened.
Fentanyl had an uprising in 2015, and has increased tremendously since then. Dealers have been lacing other drugs with fentanyl, which has been the main cause of these overdoses. The staff at Champe are aware of the situation and have been taking precautions, such as adding Narcan, a reverse drug to fentanyl, into their supplies in case an overdose happens.
“It feels good; it’s quite empowering to have something that can save someone’s life,” Student Assistance Specialist Mihaela Stefan said. “I think it’s important to have it in case something happens.”
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), seven out of every ten pills that have been seized by the DEA have been laced with fentanyl, meaning there is a high chance of someone getting poisoned. A student could take a dosage and be completely unaware of the possibility that they could experience an overdose. When asked what other things can be done to prevent these overdoses, staff and students came forward with many ideas.
“I think for the most part if they know there’s a student with an issue, with a drug issue, I think either a rehab or therapy program should be implemented. At that point, the kids are doing what they want to and it’s not going to be something we can intervene on,” Athletic Trainer Sarah Charmo said. “A lot of it comes from the families they come from and the livelihoods they have, but I think if we were to do something it would probably be along the lines of providing therapy and a rehab system to try to help them out of it.”
Sophomore Emma Tang has recognized that fentanyl is an upcoming problem. She believes that a presentation should occur in all high schools to inform them of the dangers that may happen if one comes into contact with fentanyl.
“I think if we bring the school together to talk about the upcoming drug issue, I think people will get a better idea of how serious this all is and could change their lifestyle,” Tang said. “If the presentation inspires one, they can influence others to be safer when in contact with pills and make smart decisions with illegal substances.”
In spite of the fact that drugs have been a hot topic for years, these problems are still sickening to hear about. Staff and students were shaken up once the overdoses happened in LCPS, and many were shocked by the news.
“It’s mind blowing, extremely sad, and devastating,” Charmo said. “ I can’t imagine what the families are going through and the friends and all the kids in the school. I’m happy that we aren’t dealing with it here[at Champe].”
LCPS is taking all precautions to prevent overdoses from happening, whether it be presentations, adding Narcan to their supplies, or having an intervention. Many students have been informed of the seriousness of drugs after the fentanyl overdoses occurred. Posters have been hung around schools and families have been provided with many resources to educate themselves.
“I think the situations happening are upsetting, but I think it’s eye opening for students to see the after effects of doing drugs,” Tang said. “I hope this doesn’t continue to happen, but it’s refreshing to know that people are aware of the overdoses and are taking action.”
Some LCPS staff are now required to carry Narcan in their daily supplies in case of an emergency.
Recurring fentanyl overdoses cause LCPS to provide meetings to citizens to inform the risks of fentanyl.
