Our view: It's time to educate our kids about dangers of fentanyl

A set of grim statistics shows more effort needs to go into education regarding the dangers of fentanyl.

The surge in fentanyl-related deaths demands a reality check, because despite alarming numbers, it is troubling how little awareness exists regarding the perils of this drug.

In 2023, the state reported 1,049 unintentional opioid overdose deaths, a surge from 2022, with fentanyl listed as the primary culprit.

Those numbers should be troubling enough to create momentum for change, but all too often it seems as if parents, and others, are hitting the snooze button.

Fentanyl is abundant in our state. A recent survey of Oregon residents showed some astonishing results. While most teens recognize the dangers of illegal narcotics and the hazards of prescription misuse, a whopping 61% haven’t heard a word about the dangers of fentanyl. Another meager 45% have had the “drug talk” with their parents.

These results accentuate the growing need for increased education and communication about the dangers of fentanyl. We cannot afford to be complacent as this pervasive threat to public health and safety lingers.

It is imperative for parents, educators and community leaders to take steps to address the lack of awareness among youth regarding fentanyl. They must empower our youth with knowledge of this deadly drug and provide the resources for students to make informed decisions.

This is no time to sugarcoat a pressing issue. Generally, we are dropping the ball on education and communication about fentanyl.

Song for Charlie, a nonprofit devoted to spreading awareness about the fentanyl threat, has launched thenewdrugtalk.org, offering practical advice for tackling this conversation. It’s a step in the right direction, but it’s going to take more than a website to turn the tide.

Fentanyl continues to claim more lives. It is time to face facts, educate ourselves and get busy protecting our communities.