Round Rock school district raises awareness about dangers of fentanyl

The Round Rock school district has launched an awareness campaign warning students and parents of the dangers of fentanyl and providing resources for anonymous reporting.

Starting last week the district began displaying information about the dangers of fentanyl on digital monitors throughout its secondary campuses. The district also created a website with more information about the drug and resources for help and reporting.

The campaign follows the recent deaths of four Hays school district students who authorities suspect have died from fentanyl overdoses since July.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate that, when given in a pharmaceutical context, is used to treat severe pain. But it has been sold on the black market because its effects mimic those of heroin, though the synthetic substance is much more powerful. It can be found as a pill, powder, patch, solid or liquid, and it can be lethal even in tiny doses, authorities have said.

Raising awareness

In a letter sent to the community, Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez encouraged parents to learn about and communicate the dangers of the drug with their children.

District officials said they are not aware of any fentanyl overdoses in the district but know the drug is present in its schools and teen population.

"We love your children and want to keep them safe from any danger they may face," Azaiez said in the letter. "Thank you for your partnership in protecting every student in Round Rock ISD. Let's work together to keep this insidious threat from taking another life."

Jenny Caputo, a spokesperson for the district said they are working to ensure parents and students are aware of the issue and have the ability to report any concerns.

"We're really hoping that students recognize how dangerous (fentanyl) is," Caputo said. "If they know some of their friends might be putting themselves at risk that they would use our anonymous reporting system, not to get someone in trouble but to make sure we're keeping kids safe."

Caputo said the district hopes to hold panel discussions with experts to provide the community with opportunities to learn more about fentanyl and have any of their concerns answered.

Additionally, the district has counselors and social workers that provide counseling and resources for any students using drugs, alcohol or students with behavioral needs. Nurses and police officers in secondary campuses are also equipped with Narcan, the brand name of naloxone, a potentially life-saving medication designed to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in minutes.

"We have to communicated to the extent that we can and really just hope to raise awareness," Caputo said. "

A regionwide crisis

More:Hays school district teens lost to fentanyl

In May, Travis County declared opioid overdoses a public health crisis. Travis County has become one of the top five counties in the state for opioid-related emergency calls, according to Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County health authority. Most are occurring largely because of fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills, she said at the time.

Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett said his department since January has responded to at least 16 related overdoses, of which seven resulted in deaths. Many of these overdoses, including some deaths, involved teenagers ranging from 14 to 18 years old.

In addition, Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler said authorities in the county have responded to 10 fentanyl-related overdose deaths in the last 13 months.

San Marcos Hays County EMS Deputy Chief Jim Swisher and Barnett said in August that these pills are being sold to kids through social media and other phone apps. The seller will often use code words, and the drug can take many forms, including candy-like substances.

Barnett said police locally have found a light blue pill with M30 stamped on it. It is intended to look like Percocet, a commonly prescribed painkiller.

"But these are not made in a pharmacy," Barnett said. "These are street-made drugs, and that is why they are so dangerous."

But, he said, parents should be aware that these pills can change shape, color and size. The sale of fentanyl rainbow-colored pills is beginning to circulate.

Overdose symptoms can start with the person not feeling well, but can also include dizziness and shortness of breath before the person eventually passes out. Swisher said encouraging children to call for help when they see this happening can save someone’s life.

The Drug Enforcement Agency is partnering with the Texas National Guard, Hays County Local Health Department and local law enforcement agencies to develop a task force to stop criminals from peddling fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills.

Statesman reporter Luz Moreno-Lozano contributed to this article.

More:Fact-check: Is fentanyl the leading cause of death among American adults?

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Round Rock ISD warns students, parents about dangers of fentanyl