Fentanyl is creating a crisis all over the country
and it's killing our kids.

For decades, the message has been "Say NO to drugs." But today, the risks of overdose and death are so much greater with easy access to drugs through social media and the absolute flood of fentanyl into our country. Daily headlines tell the story of our kids dying from this deadly drug.

It is time to start talking directly to our youth about these dangers.

This crisis is affecting all income levels, races, ethnicities, and genders. It's not just "those troubled kids" - athletes, straight A students, band and drama kids are dying too often, as well as kids as young as middle schoolers right here in Southern Nevada. Someone who thought they were simply experimenting by taking an everyday prescription pill may unknowingly end up taking something laced with a lethal amount of fentanyl.

It's time to learn the facts about fentanyl - before it's too late. Take the time to read below and explore our additional resources. Learn the dangers. And share the message.

We have created RiskItAllWithFentanyl.com specifically to reach our kids.

• From January 2018 to July 2022, an estimated 1,412 opioid-related overdose deaths occurred in Clark County, and 653 (46 percent) died from fentanyl (Southern Nevada Health District Public Health Advisory, Oct. 2022).
• We are seeing more and more deaths among young people each year. And unlike most opiates, fentanyl can be lethal with the first use. It only takes a two-milligram dose, similar to 5-7 grains of salt, to cause death for an average size adult.
• It's not just street drugs that are being laced with fentanyl - even fake, everyday medications like Tylenol and Ritalin are being made with fentanyl and sold via social media.
• You can't tell the difference between a real pill or a lethal one. Fentanyl doesn't change the smell, taste, or texture - so you have no idea it is there. You should only take medication that comes directly from a pharmacy or medication you purchased at a retail store.
• Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine - and it has a stronger hook, making it way more addictive.
• Drugs sold on social media are very likely to be laced, and these platforms are where the dealers are luring our kids.

We know young people today are going to experiment, just as their parents did before them. The problem is, the danger of this drug makes just one choice potentially lethal.

Together, we can save lives!

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There is a power and healing in sharing our stories. If you would like to add your experience, photos, or memories, please visit RiskItAllWithFentanyl.com.