Warning to parents about rainbow fentanyl pills, Colorado Springs school districts take action
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., (KRDO) -- Parents are being warned of rainbow-colored fentanyl pills that are reportedly being sold in 21 states, including Colorado. Due to the pills' similar appearance to candy, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said the drugs could pose a potential threat to young children. Now, some local school districts are taking precautionary measures to prevent any tragedies on campus.
Officials with Harrison School District 2 said they're looking into training staff on how to distribute Narcan they just received in the event of a child overdosing from fentanyl.
According to the DEA, fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, just two milligrams of fentanyl, which is equal to 10-15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose.
While D2 hasn't had any student deaths linked to opioids, district officials said they want to be prepared in case of an emergency.
"We recently received Narcan and in three weeks we are going to be training our staff and security on how to use Narcan to possibly combat if we ever have an Opioid or fentanyl overdose," said Martin Toland, Director of Safety and Security for Harrison District 2.
"I am a parent myself and I know how frightening this can be...so we have partnerships with Children's Hospital and other organizations in our community to approach our students in their health classes and also educate them on a personal level in support groups," said Ashby.
KRDO previously reported at least three student fentanyl-related deaths so far in 2022.
Steve Carleton, certified addiction specialist and Medical Director for Gallus Medical Detox Centers also encouraged parents to be on the lookout for the candy-looking fentanyl.
"Coloradans should be aware that these rainbow fentanyl pills are out there on the market, they are spreading like wildfire," said Carleton.
School leaders echoed that sentiment, emphasizing this is a conversation that should start at home before children come into contact with drugs.
"It is never too young to start those conversations, but it is just tailoring to a level for a second grader or kindergartener on what to look out for," added Ashby.
Harrison District 2 leaders and District 11 say they also plan to host educational meetings with parents about rainbow fentanyl in the next few months.
Parents can learn more about fentanyl in a DEA handout below:
