Information on Opioids

 

During spring 2016, a community conversation began regarding drug use in the greater Fargo-Moorhead metro area, particularly concerning the use of opioids. Opioid use has increased and overdoses have occurred in the F-M area. As the Fargo Public Schools (FPS) are a reflection of the community, we are concerned that some students may be involved with opioids. The health and safety of all students are of the utmost concern of the Fargo Public Schools and the school district wishes to address this issue with parents to partner for the safety of all.

Opioids include illicit drugs such as heroin and prescription medications used to treat pain (i.e. morphine, oxycodone, methadone, hydrocodone, codeine, etc.).  They are highly addictive. Fargo Public Schools will continue its preventive measures to keep drugs out of its schools and will continue to investigate any reports of usage. There are resources available online for additional information regarding opioids.

• The state of North Dakota has a comprehensive website dedicated to opioids. prevention.nd.gov/stopoverdose
• The CDC offers a descriptive website on fentanyl. http://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/opioids/fentanyl.html
• A short overview of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues is available in this PDF.

Fargo Public Schools encourages the community, parents and staff members to be mindful of students’ potential use of opioids.  Parents are encouraged to speak with their children about opioid use. Staff members are encouraged to report any suspicious behavior to their building principal. Students are encouraged that if they see or hear anything regarding opioid use to report it to the building principal or School Resource Officer (SRO).

Parents are encouraged to contact their building principal or counselor for additional support regarding opioids. The health and welfare of our students is our top priority.  It is important that as a community we all work together to address this issue.