Wednesday, Aug. 21, marks National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, a time to remember lives lost and educate the community about the growing threat of fentanyl, especially among teens.

The Fountain Hills Protect Our Youth Coalition urges families to visit FHCoalition.org for free educational materials, warning signs and conversation tips to help protect youth from counterfeit pills.

In Arizona, 27 children under 18 died from fentanyl poisoning in 2023, according to a press release. Nearly three-quarters of all drug-related youth deaths in the state involve fentanyl and many of these tragedies start with fake pills shared on social media.

The pills being sold on social media are designed to look like legitimate prescriptions, but just one can contain a lethal dose of fentanyl, sometimes as little as the amount of two grains of salt.

“It’s hard to believe we live in a time when kids are losing their lives to pills they got from a friend or ordered online, thinking they were safe,” said Tammy Bell, executive director of the Fountain Hills Protect Our Youth Coalition. “Our coalition is committed to sharing the facts, raising awareness, and doing everything we can to empower youth to live healthy, drug-free lives. Every parent, teacher, coach, doctor and teen needs to be aware and start talking to each other. Our strength is our community effort.”

Local partners offer resources

Wellness Compounding Pharmacy & Clinic in Fountain Hills now offers free Narcan to anyone who wants to add it to their first aid kit. This life-saving medication can reverse an opioid overdose in minutes. Having Narcan on hand means anyone can be equipped to save a life.

And thanks to the support of town staff and leadership, national opioid settlement funds were allocated to the Fountain Hills Protect Our Youth Coalition to expand local prevention efforts.

According to the press release, these funds are helping raise awareness about the specific dangers of fentanyl and provide practical tools, like Narcan and lockable pill cases, that help families keep their homes safe.

Be in the know. Protect the youth by staying informed and talking often. Quick statements like “Fake pills can kill,” or “never take anything not prescribed to you” or “If you’re ever curious or need help, come talk to me first” can be enough to save a life.

The Fountain Hills Protect Our Youth Coalition shares this message in honor and memory of the many young lives lost to fentanyl poisoning in Arizona — and in ongoing commitment to protecting the youth of this community.

Visit fhcoalition.org/parent-resources/fentanyl/ for parent resources, conversation starters, to sign up for the newsletter and to explore local prevention programs and tools.

For free Narcan, visit Wellness Pharmacy at 16810 E. El Pueblo Blvd., call 480-999-9100 or visit wellnesscompoundingpharmacy.com for more information.