Notice of Synthetic Drugs/Fentanyl Dangers

Pupil Safety – Parental Notification on Synthetic Drugs

Overview

Assembly Bill 889 (AB 889), a bipartisan measure signed into law on July 27, 2023, adds Section 48985.5 to the California Education Code. This law requires public schools, county offices of education, and charter schools to annually inform parents and guardians about the dangers of synthetic drugs, including fentanyl, at the start of each school year.

The Growing Danger of Fentanyl

The misuse of opioids and prescription medications is an ongoing concern, but fentanyl use has risen dramatically across the U.S., posing a severe threat to public health.

"Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered," said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. "Fentanyl is everywhere. From large metropolitan areas to rural America, no community is safe from this poison."

Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than morphine and is increasingly found in counterfeit pills and other substances, including marijuana and vaping products, making it nearly impossible to detect. Schools and families must stay informed to help prevent overdose deaths and fentanyl poisoning among youth.

Here are some trusted resources for information on opioid and fentanyl prevention, addiction support, and emergency help:

National & Government Resources

1. DEA One Pill Can Kill – Information on counterfeit pills and fentanyl dangers.
   🔗 https://www.dea.gov/onepill
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Opioid Overdose Prevention
   🔗 https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Find treatment services: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (Free, Confidential, 24/7)
• Opioid Treatment Programs: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
4. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Science-based information on fentanyl and addiction.
   🔗 https://nida.nih.gov
5. Stop Overdose California – Resources on naloxone, overdose prevention, and treatment options.
   🔗 https://www.stopoverdose.org

Youth & School-Based Prevention Programs

1. Song for Charlie – Education campaign about fake pills and fentanyl risks.
   🔗 https://www.songforcharlie.org
2. National Fentanyl Awareness Day – Resources for schools, parents, and youth.
   🔗 https://www.fentanylawarenessday.org
3. Partnership to End Addiction – Parent-focused guidance and prevention tools.
   🔗 https://drugfree.org

Emergency & Support Services

1. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Free support for individuals in crisis or struggling with substance use.
   📞 Dial 988 or visit 🔗 https://988lifeline.org
2. Never Use Alone Hotline – For people using substances who want a safety check.
   📞 1-800-484-3731