MISD RAISES AWARENESS OF FENTANYL EPIDEMIC
MISD RAISES AWARENESS OF FENTANYL EPIDEMIC
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine , according to Texas Health and Human Services . Just two milligrams of fentanyl , equal to 10 to 15 grains of table salt , is considered a lethal dose . Illegally manufactured fentanyl is found in heroin , cocaine , methamphetamine and in counterfeit pills . As a result , many people may not know they ’ re taking fentanyl , leading to fatal overdoses .
According to the latest data provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse , deaths involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl totaled 70,601 in 2021 .
In the wake of the nationwide fentanyl epidemic , Mansfield ISD is committed to educating students about the dangers of fentanyl and offering resources to help
keep them safe .
All campus clinics are equipped with naloxone , a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids such as fentanyl . Additionally , all
Mansfield ISD athletic trainers and police officers carry the medicine . According to Texas Health and Human Services , if you or someone you know is at risk of an opioid overdose , speak with your doctor or pharmacist about obtaining naloxone to carry and keep at home . A prescription is not required .
Additionally , MISD has compiled online resources through the This Is Our House web page at www . mansfieldisd . org / ourhouse . Here , families can find more information about fentanyl and tools to start difficult conversations about the drug with their teen .
SPOT AN OVERDOSE , SAVE A LIFE
It ’ s important to know the signs of a potential overdose . Responding to someone who shows signs of an overdose quickly can save their life .
Signs of an overdose :
• Small , constricted “ pinpoint pupils ”
• Face is extremely pale and / or feels cold or clammy to the touch
• Body goes limp
• Fingernails or lips have a purple or blue color
• Vomiting or making gurgling noises
• Cannot be awakened or unable to speak
• Breathing or heartbeat slows or stops
How to save a life :
• Call 911 right away
• Try to wake the person up
• Give naloxone , if available
• Begin rescue breathing or CPR
• Turn the person on their side to prevent choking
• Stay with the person until emergency services arrive
MANSFIELDISD . ORG / OURHOUSE
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