Community conversation on fentanyl being held in Fountain Valley

FOUNTAIN, Colo. (KRDO)-- Widefield School District 3, Fountain-Fort Carson, and El Paso County Public Health are teaming up to discuss the dangers of fentanyl and substance abuse.

They're hosting a community conversation on Thursday night at the El Paso County Public Health South location.

Both Widefield and Fountain-Fort Carson school districts say the use of fentanyl in their schools is not a specific concern right now, but they're using this conversation as a way to stay ahead of the issue and prevent any tragedies from happening.

Parents and students will hear from boots-on-the-ground experts including school resources offices and counselors to be able to connect with direct resources.

They'll discuss the history of fentanyl, spot signs, and symptoms, hear real-life stories and tackle mental health support.

"Our goal is to raise awareness and provide education to better serve our families and fentanyl is a hot topic right now. It’s an issue that we’re seeing in our community, in our state, and in our nation and so we really just want to do that outreach to families to help support them," said Samantha Briggs, a spokesperson for Widefield School District 3.

Christy McGee/ Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8

"I think one of the things District 8 really wanted to focus on at this event was also the mental health aspect of drug and substance abuse. How can we approach that upstream and help families who can help their students make better choices ahead of choosing to go to drugs," said Christy McGee with Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8

The community conversation starts at 6 pm. If you can't make it in person both districts and El Paso County Public Health will be live streaming it on their Facebook pages.