On Fentanyl and Other Drugs

Print Version: English

Prescription and nonprescription opioid drugs, particularly fentanyl, are the major forces behind many overdoses. Fentanyl is the primary opioid responsible for fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the Fairfax Health District. In 2022, 86 of 88 fatal opioid overdoses (98%) involved fentanyl.

Opioids include: heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, fentanyl, morphine, and prescription pain relievers. An overdose of heroin or opioid painkillers can be lethal. 

Key Facts

• Pills that look “normal” can still have deadly fentanyl in them. It’s undetectable by sight, smell, or taste.
• Fentanyl is cheap, potent, and profitable, so dealers use it to make fake pills.

For Additional Information and Ways to Take Action

• FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS) Program Overview
  • Sign up to receive your school's "New You Choose" newsletter for SAPS info.
  • Follow @FCPSSAPS, the SAPS Program on Twitter, for quick info & tips
• One Pill Can Kill | DEA.gov
• Dashborad - Opioid Overdoses in the Fairfax Health District
• Safe Disposal of Medicines
• Make an Overdose Safety Plan
• Peer Outreach Response Team - 703-559-3199 
• CSB Emergency Services 703-573-5679
• Mobile Crisis Unit - 703-573-5679 TTY 711
• Community Services Board
  Emergency and Crisis Services
  Walk-in emergency psychiatric services
  Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health
  8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Lower Level
  703-573-5679

FCPS offices, along with our valued community partners, will actively participate in this event, fostering collaboration and sharing vital resources and information. Together, we are committed to raising awareness and providing critical support to our families. Our unwavering commitment extends to every family in our school district, strengthening the foundation of a resilient and united community.

FCPS Resource:

• Intercultural Engagement 
• Substance Abuse Specialist 
• School Counseling
• School Psychology
• School Social Worker
• Office of the Ombuds

Fairfax County Community Resources: 

• Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (Opioids Task Force)
  The Community Services Board will provide Rapid Naloxone (NARCAN) Education training (REVIVE! kit training) that includes a free box of naloxone* — often referred to by the brand name Narcan — upon completion of the training.  
• Neighborhood and Community Services
• Health Department Outreach 
• Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (Youth and Family Services)
• Healthy Minds Fairfax

Fairfax County Public Schools' (FCPS) Community Conversation - a powerful event that resonated with a commitment to addressing the opioid crisis within Northern Virginia and our school community. This event left attendees not only well-informed, but empowered to address the challenges posed by drugs and the alarming presence of deadly fentanyl, with an impressive turnout of 361 participants, including students and families.

At FCPS, we recognize the urgent need to continue this important conversation, striving to destigmatize the issue and foster a collective understanding. Our focus goes beyond awareness; we want to build a resilient community that actively engages in collaborative strategies to minimize the impact of these harmful and sometimes deadly substances.

Join us in an ongoing dialogue as we work together to address this growing problem, share knowledge, and strengthen the bonds that make our community resilient. Together, we can make a lasting impact and ensure the well-being of each and every student and family.

Presentation: English  I   Spanish  I   Arabic  I   Korean  I  Urdu   I   Vietnamese
 

Date: Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Location: Edison High School