With Fentanyl Awareness Day approaching on April 29, the Orange County Department of Education is encouraging schools to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of overdose prevention — and offering a range of resources to support that work.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin, and it’s been linked to a skyrocketing rate of accidental overdoses among young people. In response, OCDE has been working with local, state and national partners to inform students, educators and families about the dangers associated with opioid misuse and how to respond in an emergency.
Along with trainings and curriculum focused on substance use prevention and emergency preparedness, the department is now able to provide schools and districts access to naloxone, a life-saving medication commonly known by the brand name Narcan.
“Our schools are not immune to the dangers of fentanyl, and we have a responsibility to act,” said County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean. “By equipping educators and staff with the tools and knowledge to respond — and by encouraging open, informed conversations with students and families — we can help prevent tragedy and strengthen the safety nets that protect young people in our communities.”
Naloxone distribution
Aided by state funding and recent legislation, OCDE has secured a supply of naloxone — a fast-acting and safe medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose — for public school sites throughout Orange County. Widely used by first responders, naloxone has been proven to save lives and prevent opioid-related tragedies on campus.
Each eligible school campus, including TK–6 schools, middle schools, junior highs and high schools, can receive at least two units of naloxone per site. Before requesting a supply, each district or charter school must complete the California Department of Public Health’s Standing Order Application, which remains valid for two years. Once that step is complete, school administrators or designees may submit OCDE’s Naloxone Distribution Request Form.
Schools that receive naloxone must ensure that at least two staff members per site are trained in administering the medication. OCDE offers regular training opportunities and also allows districts and charter schools to conduct their own training sessions.
Educational resources
In addition to distributing naloxone, OCDE is encouraging schools to utilize prevention-focused educational materials, including I Choose My Future, a video series developed by the San Diego County Office of Education. The series is designed to help students understand the risks of substance use and make healthy, informed choices.
School staff can contact CarePoint@ocde.us with questions about naloxone, training opportunities or educational resources.
Fentanyl Awareness Day, observed annually in April, aims to spark conversation and action around the growing fentanyl crisis. More information is available at fentanylawarenessday.org.