KBAD Corner!

Today was a special day for our Kilgore student body. We celebrated KHS's legacy, held our homecoming parade, and our Bulldogs took on Gilmer and were victorious 66-6. Way to go, Bulldogs! 

Our duchess, Lauren Shaw, represented our organization in style while being escorted by Ofc. Forbes and Dodo during the parade. We are so proud of her and her commitment year after year, leading KBAD. Lauren has been an active member, a board member, and has held the title of president for the last two years. She has attended summits and leadership conferences to find better ways to help keep the Kilgore youth community safe. Lauren and board members helped create our new safe zone tobacco ordinance. Thank you,  Lauren, for always just being you!

Attending this walk was truly a privilege, reflecting on the loved ones we've lost and supporting such an important cause. When Mrs. Ingersol contacted us about being part of this event, We knew immediately that we had to say yes. This is an opportunity to share critical information about overdose awareness—whether it involves alcohol, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or illicit substances.

KBAD stood in honor and memory of Rayce Tuck, a 17-year-old Kilgore teen who tragically lost his life after unknowingly taking a Xanax laced with Fentanyl. His story, unfortunately, is not unique. We've lost so many young people to the silent killer known as Fentanyl—a highly addictive, potent, and inexpensive opioid. Fentanyl is often mixed with prescription drugs like Xanax and Adderall, creating counterfeit pills that have led to a staggering 45% increase in overdose deaths. These fake pills are sold through social media platforms or by people whom victims believe they can trust.

In response to this crisis, fentanyl awareness has led to significant strides in public health, including broader access to Naloxone. Texas launched its "One Pill Kills" campaign in 2022, and our legislature has made significant strides, in part by listening to the voices of grieving parents. One such parent, the mother of Tucker Rowe from Leander, Texas, helped advocate for the creation of House Bill 3908, better known as "Tucker's Law." Tucker, also 18 years old, tragically died after taking a counterfeit Percocet bought from a social media marketplace. His parents have since dedicated themselves to advocacy through Tucker's Project and are the driving force behind Texas Against Fentanyl (TXAF.org).

House Bill 3908, established in 2023, mandates Fentanyl Abuse Prevention and Drug Poisoning Awareness education in public schools for grades 6 through 12. Additionally, October has been designated as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month and is still recognized for Red Ribbon Week.

I urge all of you to talk openly with your children, teenagers, and young adults about the dangers of Fentanyl, over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and alcohol. Education is one of our most powerful tools for preventing further tragedies. It is never too late to start these critical conversations and to advocate for the safety and well-being of your loved ones.