Fentanyl Awareness
In response to the national opioid crisis, San José Unified is implementing a stock Naloxone program, sometimes referred to by the brand name Narcan©. By December 2024, all SJUSD school health offices will be equipped with Naloxone and have two or more staff members trained to administer it.
This life-saving medication restores normal breath to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. Additionally, we continue to partner with health organizations to raise awareness, prevent drug use, and reduce harm.
Types of Fentanyl:
Medical grade (prescribed by a doctor) is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and is used as a pain reliever like oxycodone and morphine. Prescribed fentanyl is colorless and odorless and can cause rapid respiratory depression, resulting in accidental death.
Illegally made (illicit or “street” fentanyl) is sometimes mixed with other highly addictive and dangerous drugs like heroin and cocaine. Sometimes, street fentanyl is made with bright colors to resemble candy and appeal to youth. Even one small dose of street fentanyl, the equivalent of 5-7 grains of salt, can be deadly.
What Can I Do?
Know the signs of an overdose: Loss of consciousness, unresponsiveness, irregular breathing, and inability to speak are a few of the signs to look out for.
Be prepared to call for help: If you witness someone experiencing the symptoms of an overdose, call 911 and request emergency medical services. California has Good Samaritan laws, which provide immunity to those who call emergency services when experiencing or witnessing an overdose.
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a medication called an “opioid antagonist” used to counter the effects of opioid overdose. Naloxone has no potential for abuse and is a temporary drug sprayed up the nose that wears off in 20-90 minutes.
Naloxone is used in overdoses to counteract life-threatening central nervous system and respiratory system issues, allowing an overdose victim to breathe normally. Often administered by emergency response personnel, naloxone can also be administered by minimally trained lay people, including nurses, teachers, police officers, and students.
Resources
Protect yourself from the dangers of fentanyl - CDC video - 1:01 minute
CDPH Fentanyl Information Department of Education, California: Combatting Fentanyl - Actions and Resources
CDPH Naloxone Information
California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard
CDPH Substance Use Prevention Resources for Families and Schools
National Health Institute (NIH) Drug Abuse Facts
Santa Clara County Fentanyl Facts