You might be aware of vaping, but what do you know about dab pens or pressed fentanyl pills? Do you know both are present in our communities and schools? In Kent County between 2021 and 2022, there were close to 200 drug overdose deaths. Opioids were involved in 77% of these overdose deaths.
We read about Fentanyl in news headlines from the media, but how much do our students and community currently know about this substance? In our county, Fentanyl accounted for over 90% of overdose deaths between 2021 and 2022. Are you knowledgeable about local prevention resources?
The Kent County Opioid Task Force is an organization of local experts from Corewell/Spectrum Health, Michigan Association of School Nurses, The Grand Rapids Red Project, Kent ISD, Kent County Health Department, and more. This group prioritizes community education by providing information on awareness, safe storage, and safe disposal for opioids and other substances.
As we know, substance use during adolescence can influence health and wellness. As educators, parents, and professionals, it can be overwhelming to stay up to date in the trends of adolescent substance use. Nationally, around two-thirds of 12th grade students have tried alcohol and half of 9th-12th grade students have tried marijuana. However, do you feel prepared to talk with students about other other substances like CBD, Kratom, and inhalants being used in our communities? The Health Consultants at Kent ISD can help! Prevention and treatment resources are available to support your community.
Stigma, or the disapproval of individuals or groups of people based on perceived characteristics, can greatly impact people with a substance use disorder (SUD) or opioid use disorder (OUD). This social stigma can prevent individuals from talking about SUD which can limit someone’s willingness to seek treatment and impact mental health. Having community conversations can combat social stigma that those with SUD or OUD face.
A Dose of Reality: Community Connections by the Kent County Opioid Task Force and Kent ISD offers an opportunity for education information and services in the community. Please fill out this short form or contact Healthed@kentisd.org to let us know what services would be most appropriate for your district.
#Health #Students #WeLeadLearning #KentISDpd
This blog post was written by Amber Hubble, Health Education Consultant at Kent ISD and edited by Amanda Walma, Professional Learning Coordinator and Sara Johnson, PD Hub Intern at Kent ISD.
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