Recently, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the California Department of Public Health have shared information about the increasing danger of opioid abuse among teenagers. In particular, law enforcement agencies have referenced a rise in the prevalence of counterfeit Percocet and oxycodone/OxyContin as well as new forms of fentanyl.

According to the California Department of Public Health:

Brightly-colored fentanyl (referred to as rainbow fentanyl) has been identified as a new trend according to the United States (U.S.) Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) [1]. Rainbow fentanyl can be found in many forms, including pills, powder, and blocks that can resemble sidewalk chalk or candy. Any pill (regardless of its color, shape, or size) that does not come from a health care provider or pharmacist can contain fentanyl and can be deadly.

Below you will find resources for students and families and information about how Glendale Unified is working to prevent substance abuse and protect our students against drug-related incidents.

General Information

• California Department of Public Health – Facts about Fentanyl

• Drug Enforcement Agency – Facts about Fake Pills

• Los Angeles County Office of Education Fentanyl Crisis Information

• ABC7 Town Hall September 22, 2022 – The Fentanyl Crisis

Talking to Your Teen About Drugs

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Why You Should Talk With Your Child About Alcohol and Other Drugs

• Harvard Health Publishing – Teens and Drugs: 5 Tips for Talking with Your Kids

Glendale Unified Preparation and Training

• Narcan (nasal spray naloxone) is available at every GUSD elementary, middle, and high school.

• All GUSD administrators and health clerks have received video training from the California Department of Public Health on how to administer naloxone to an unresponsive person.

• Additionally, GUSD health office staff members have been trained, both via Zoom and in-person, in the use of naloxone in an unresponsive person.

• GUSD is currently coordinating with Impact Canine Solutions to learn more about Fentanyl detection. The district currently partners with Impact Canine on vaping detection and training initiatives.