Dear Norwalk-La Mirada Families,

On behalf of the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District, I want to provide you with information regarding the growing use of the drug Fentanyl.  The Los Angeles Department of Public Health has issued a health alert after four adolescents were found overdosed following purchasing counterfeit narcotic pills in Los Angeles, including one student found deceased on September 13, 2022.

Nationwide, there has been a growing trend of illicit drugs (particularly methamphetamine and cocaine) and counterfeit pills contaminated with fentanyl and other life-threatening substances. This has impacted both adults and youth. In 2021, fentanyl was identified in about 77% of adolescent overdose deaths nationally, and over 80% of drug overdose deaths among adolescents aged 15 – 19 in 2015 were unintentional. Fentanyl and methamphetamine-related overdose deaths have increased in Los Angeles County even prior to the pandemic and continue to rise at an alarming rate.

Fentanyl is a high potency synthetic opioid that is colorless and odorless and can cause rapid respiratory depression resulting in accidental death. Awareness of the risk of fentanyl in counterfeit pills, stimulants, and other substances sold outside of pharmacies is necessary for both the general public, including youth and adults, as well as healthcare providers.

Recommended resources for families:

• Parents and guardians should talk about drug use with adolescents
• Parents and guardians should use honest language that emphasizes their values and concerns around drug use 
• Open conversations that evoke adolescents’ understanding and experiences are more effective than lecturing and utilizing scare tactics.
• Parents and guardians should consider that not all youth immediately show changes in

behaviors if they are using substances, so parents should initiate age-appropriate conversations with their children about substance use.

• If youth are using substances, parents and guardians should explore reasons behind substance use. For adolescents who are using substances regularly, a professional assessment may be needed, and information about substance use treatment services is listed below.

In the event of an opioid overdose, naloxone (Narcan) can quickly restore breathing to an individual whose breathing has slowed or stopped. Expanding awareness, equipping students with and training them to identify and respond to an overdose using naloxone is a critical component in preventing opioid overdose deaths amongst students.  This drug carries no risk of abuse and has no effect on individuals who do not already have opioids in their system.

Should you have any questions or would like more information on substance abuse, please visit the California Department of Public Health or contact your student’s school site.  The District is planning to host a community webinar, in October, to address this topic and answer questions.  

The Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District is committed to the safety and well-being of its students and looks forward to collaborating with our community to keep our students free from drug use.

Sincerely,

Christopher E. Moton

Director, Student and Family Services