LCPS hosting opioid and fentanyl awareness sessions

Loudoun County Public Schools is hosting opioid and fentanyl awareness sessions to inform parents and community members about the dangers of fentanyl, a powerful opioid that has significantly contributed to overdoses – both fatal and nonfatal – in the U.S. and northern Virginia.

LCPS’ information sessions will feature LCPS staff and community partners who are substance use or mental health specialists:

• LCPS’ Student Assistance Services will explain their role in supporting parents and students, review the signs of drug use and how to reach out for help.  
• Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and the Leesburg Police Department will outline the scope of the opioid problem in Loudoun County, share relevant statistics and provide pertinent information about fentanyl and opioids.
• The Williams Center for Wellness and Recovery will address effective treatment programs for teens and adults.
• The Prevention Alliance of Loudoun will share information about Rapid REVIVE!, an opioid overdose program that teaches the signs of an opioid overdose and how to respond with naloxone (more commonly known as NARCAN).

The first information session was held at Park View High School on Feb. 11. Additional sessions will be held throughout February and March at the following locations:

• Loudoun County High School, 415 Dry Mill Rd., SW, Leesburg, VA
  Tuesday, Feb. 21, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
• Independence High School, 23115 Learning Circle, Ashburn, VA
  Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7 – 8:30 p.m. 
• Woodgrove High School, 36811 Allder School Rd, Purcellville, VA
  Tuesday, March 7, 7-8:30 p.m.
• Broad Run High School, 21670 Ashburn Rd., Ashburn, VA
  Thursday, March 23, 7 – 8:30 p.m.

LCPS is prepared for the risk of potential overdoses by stocking NARCAN at each middle and high school and training staff at each school to administer the treatment. All School Resource Officers for Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and Leesburg Police Department carry it as well. LCPS is also increasing training opportunities for school administrators, directors of school counseling and athletic directors and to learn how to administer NARCAN. 

“It is imperative that our community educate parents, provide strategies on how they can talk with their children, and let them know of the available school-based support and community resources,” stated Jennifer Evans, LCPS Director of Student Mental Health Services. Earlier this month, LCPS shared a message highlighting the fentanyl dangers and providing additional resources; the message can be found on LCPS’ website.