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daVinci Families
I'm sure that talking about fentanyl and drug overdosing is not something that any of us thought we would be doing at this age & level of school. Unfortunately drug use is starting younger and younger, and the more prevention and education we can provide will set students up for success in the future. Our hearts go out to the McDaniels community and the families of the students who have recently passed away.
This page will be added to and updated as we get information or suggestions about how to combat this epidemic. If you or your student need support please don't hesitate to reach out to your student's school counselor. We are here for you.
Warmly, Counselor Heather & ms shannon
Dear PPS Families:
I am saddened to report that there have been recent deaths related to blue fentanyl-laced pills in the Portland area, including students in our community.
These deaths are tragedies, and our heartfelt condolences go out to the families impacted. Sadly, substance abuse and overdoses are common in every community. These are unfortunate situations, regardless of the circumstances. We want to share law enforcement’s and our concerns about the dangerous presence of fentanyl in our community and the urgency for families to talk with their children about drug use:
Here is an informational flyer about fentanyl with resources.
When students self-disclose about any substance use, they are exempt from discipline. To get support and help, students can speak with their counselor, school social worker, administrators, or other trusted adult. Students and families can also report confidential concerns about substances circulating in the community by going to safeoregon.com.
We care deeply about the health and safety of each and every student in our PPS community. We know these conversations with your child can be hard. Please reach out to your child's school if you need support.
Forward Together,
Dr. Cheryl Proctor
Deputy Superintendent, Instruction & School Communities
The above image is an actual oxycodone tablet vs a fake one.
It's very hard to tell the difference.
Lethal dose of heroin vs fentanyl.
Fentanyl is 100 times stronger than morphine, which makes even the smallest dose potentially fatal.
Some things to remember:
When students self-disclose about any substance use they are exempt from discipline. This information is located in the AD: Healthy, Substance-Free Learning Environments pg. 2. If you need guidance regarding self-disclosures please contact Mary Krogh or your admin for more information.
Students are encouraged to get help by speaking with their school social worker, counselor, administrators, or other trusted adults, to find support and help. All PPS high schools now have a designated substance use provider and you can refer students using this form.
Students can also report confidential concerns through the Safe Oregon Tipline.
Below is some information from Multnomah County. While we would never advocate for a person to use, we also know that it is already happening in the greater Metro area and we want to ensure that people who make that choice can also survive that decision.
If you or someone you know needs help with any type of drug use or addiction please reach out to your school counselor and we will support you in finding help and/or treatment.
Overdose prevention information from Multco
Overdose prevention information from Multco
Counterfeit Pills: Overdose Prevention
Knockoff pills containing fentanyl are thought to be fueling an increase in fatal drug overdoses across the Portland metro region. Anyone who gets pills from a source other than a pharmacy should assume those pills are counterfeit and contain potentially lethal amounts of fentanyl.
How can I tell if a pill is counterfeit?
Fentanyl is often mixed into counterfeit pills sold as opioids, methamphetamines, ecstasy or benzodiazepines. Often these pills don’t look any different than a pharmaceutical grade pill. Sometimes the color or texture or taste may be off. But that’s not a reliable way to know if a pill is counterfeit. Counterfeit pills are so common that anyone who is buying pills on the street should assume those pills contain fentanyl.
What should I know if I decide to use?
Here are four key things to consider if you choose to use a pill that has not been prescribed by a physician: Test the pills first, start with a small amount, don’t use when you are alone, and carry naloxone.
Use a fentanyl test strip: Even experienced users often can’t tell the difference between a real and counterfeit pill. Harm Reduction provides free fentanyl test strips at metro area syringe exchanges. These are also available online. Here’s how they work: Crush some of the pill and mix with water. Dip the test strip in the liquid for 15 seconds, then lay the strip out for five minutes. The test strip will show one line if fentanyl is present, two lines if none is detected — the opposite from a pregnancy test.
Start with a small dose: It only takes 2 milligrams of fentanyl — about the weight of a few grains of salt — to put someone into fatal overdose, even if they have an opioid tolerance. People who use injection drugs might normally smoke a drug as a safer option. But with fentanyl-laced pills, people are overdosing no matter how they’re ingested. And avoid mixing pills with other substances — especially downers like alcohol that can make you sleepy to begin with.
Don’t use when you are alone: Let someone know where you are and what you think you are taking, so someone can look for signs of an overdose. During an overdose, the body becomes too relaxed to remember to breathe. A person who overdoses becomes limp, and turns pale or blue, especially at the lips and fingertips. Their breathing slows and may stop. As soon as a person stops responding, it’s time to act.
Carry naloxone: If you or someone you are with overdoses, naloxone can save you or them, but because fentanyl is so powerful, it might take more naloxone than usual. If you think someone is overdosing, call 9-1-1 and then administer the naloxone. By the time you’ve administered two doses of naloxone and performed CPR, hopefully paramedics will have arrived. Oregon’s Good Samaritan Law protects both the person who administers naloxone and the person who is overdosing from prosecution.
What if I know someone who uses opioids?
If you aren’t using non-prescribed drugs you might have to pay out of pocket at a pharmacy. Anyone who uses any drugs can talk to a doctor or pharmacist about getting nasal Narcan; it’s usually covered by insurance. People who use drugs can also come to a local syringe exchange and get injectable naloxone for free.
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