Fentanyl Awareness

“Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “Fentanyl is everywhere. From large metropolitan areas to rural America, no community is safe from this poison. We must take every opportunity to spread the word to prevent fentanyl-related overdose death and poisonings from claiming scores of American lives every day.”

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than morphine and is now causing more deaths in Santa Clarita than almost anywhere else in Los Angeles County. This year alone, our valley has lost 23 people. We are highly concerned about our young people as many drugs including marijuana may contain deadly levels of fentanyl which cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. The Hart District is working in partnership with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the City of Santa Clarita to raise awareness and combat this issue impacting our students and community.

Current Statistics

(California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard)

Emergency department visits related to non-fatal opioid overdoses in California’s youth ages 10-19 years more than tripled from 2018 (379 total) to 2020 (1,222 total).
Opioid-related overdose deaths in California’s youth ages 10-19 years increased from 2018 (54 total) to 2020 (274 total), marking a 407 percent increase over two years, largely driven by fentanyl.
Fentanyl-related overdose deaths in California’s youth ages 10-19 years increased from 2018 (36 total) to 2020 (261 total), a 625 percent increase.

Student Created PSAs on the Dangers of Fentanyl

Fentanyl Fact Sheet

More Information:

Resources for Parents:

Local Resources:

Additional Drug Facts: