Colorado Springs Fentanyl roundtable discussion highlights danger of drugs for young people
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A roundtable hosted by Congressman Doug Lamborn Wednesday in Colorado Springs, brought together community leaders to discuss the dangers fentanyl presents to youth and answer the public's questions.
As students return to school, the topic of drug use and deadly drug use rises for many parents. Wednesday, the roundtable gathered several Southern Colorado's police chiefs, the El Paso County District Attorney, County Coroner, and Undersheriff to discuss their concerns.
Last year, El Paso County recorded more than 90 deaths from fentanyl overdoses. Five of those were children under 18.
In 2017 there were five deaths recorded from fentanyl, El Paso County Coroner Dr. Leon Kelly said that number has at least doubled every year since then.
The only glimmer of hope, Dr. Kelly said this year -- we are on track for 120 fentanyl-related deaths, meaning that the rapid pace of increase seems to be slowing.
The most concerning part about fentanyl to Southern Colorado experts is that the average age of the user and the average of a person who dies from it is getting lower and lower.
