Did you know?
More than 2,000 people in the Commonwealth of Virginia died from opioid-related deaths in 2023.
Over 150 people die each day in the United States from opioids like fentanyl.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a dangerous opioid often mixed with other drugs without your knowledge. Even in small doses, fentanyl can be deadly.
- Fentanyl is the biggest contributor to overdose deaths in Virginia – most people who died of a drug overdose took a drug containing fentanyl.
“Two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage.”
What are the signs and symptoms of a fentanyl overdose?
- Small, constricted pupils
- Sleepiness, in a daze, or loss of consciousness
- Slow, weak breathing or not breathing at all; choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body
- Cold, clammy, or discolored skin, especially lips and nails, which may turn blue
If you suspect an overdose:
Get help immediately! Call 911!
- Naloxone/Narcan, available in many schools, may reverse the
effects of the overdose, thus saving a person’s life.
Resources for the whole family:
How to stay safe:
- Remember to say NO. Even if offered by a friend, it doesn’t mean the pill is safe.
- Stay informed. Learn about the risks of fentanyl and other dangerous substances.
- Ask for help. If you or a friend struggle with drug use, seek the help of a trusted adult, school counselor, coach, or your school’s nurse.
