Ohio’s School Safety Training Tackles Drug Education in Schools

By

Taiwo AKINLAMI

The Ohio Department of Public Safety, through its School Safety Centre, organized a two-part School Safety Training titled “Drug Education Training” on October 9 and 11, 2024. The training sessions took place at Ohio Christian University and North Olmsted High School and attracted school administrators, community leaders, and educators from across Ohio. The purpose of the event was to provide insights and strategies for addressing drug-related issues among students and equip school communities with the tools needed to combat this growing concern.

The training included presentations by experts, including Alex Van Dyke from the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, who highlighted current youth drug trends and discussed the challenges Ohio schools and communities face due to the proliferation of dangerous synthetic drugs.

Session 1: Youth Drug Trends by Alex Van Dyke, Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center

Alex Van Dyke provided a comprehensive overview of the current drug landscape, focusing on youth drug trends in Ohio. He explained how synthetic drugs, such as fentanyl, have fundamentally altered the drug trade and contributed to a surge in overdose deaths across the state.

“Fentanyl has been one of the most dangerous drugs we’ve encountered in recent years,” Van Dyke stated. He pointed out that fentanyl, which is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, was introduced into the U.S. illicit drug supply around 2014 and has since become a major factor in overdose deaths. He emphasized how fentanyl’s low production cost and ease of trafficking have made it a preferred choice for drug traffickers.

Van Dyke revealed that in 2021, Ohio experienced its highest recorded number of overdose deaths, with 5,174 deaths—primarily attributed to fentanyl. However, he also noted that overdose deaths had seen a modest decline in 2022, with a 14% decrease projected by the end of 2023. Despite this progress, he stressed that the number of deaths remains far too high.

Counterfeit Pills and New Drug Trends

Van Dyke discussed one of the most alarming trends: the rise of counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl. These pills, which mimic legitimate prescription medications like oxycodone, Xanax, and Adderall, have made it extremely difficult for users to discern whether they are consuming a genuine prescription drug or a deadly counterfeit. This poses a significant threat, particularly to young people who may purchase such pills on social media or from unregulated online sources.

To further complicate matters, Van Dyke noted the introduction of colored fentanyl pills—marketed in vibrant hues such as pink, yellow, and green. This tactic is being used by drug traffickers to make fentanyl more appealing to a younger audience, increasing its accessibility and attractiveness.

Another troubling trend Van Dyke highlighted is the use of pill presses by drug traffickers. These machines, which are easily accessible online, allow traffickers to produce counterfeit pills en masse. In 2023, Ohio law enforcement agencies seized more than 115 million counterfeit pills containing fentanyl—a significant increase from previous years.

Van Dyke’s key message to the school leaders was clear: Educators and community leaders must work together to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit pills. He urged attendees to share resources such as public safety bulletins and social media videos that the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center provides, which are available in multiple languages to ensure accessibility across diverse communities.

The Rise of Polydrug Mixtures

Van Dyke also underscored the growing prevalence of polydrug mixtures, which involve the combination of fentanyl with other substances such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. These drug combinations are particularly dangerous because they increase the risk of overdose by amplifying the effects of multiple drugs.

“Polydrug mixtures are responsible for more than half of all overdose deaths in Ohio,” Van Dyke noted. He explained that the synergistic effects of these drugs—such as the combination of fentanyl and cocaine—make them particularly deadly. For example, fentanyl depresses respiration, while cocaine constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen flow to the brain. Together, these effects dramatically increase the likelihood of a fatal overdose.

New Challenges and Future Outlook

In addition to discussing traditional illicit drugs, Van Dyke addressed the challenges posed by new synthetic opioids and emerging drug trends. He warned of the increasing presence of fentanyl analogs like carfentanil, a synthetic opioid used to tranquilize large animals. Carfentanil is 100 times more potent than fentanyl and has been found in polydrug mixtures in Ohio. Its potency makes it exceptionally dangerous, as standard overdose reversal treatments like naloxone may be less effective against it.

He also touched on the dangers of contamination versus intentional lacing, explaining that some reports of fentanyl-laced products might result from cross-contamination rather than deliberate mixing. However, both scenarios present significant risks to public health, particularly for young people who may unknowingly consume these contaminated products.

Key Takeaways and Call to Action

Van Dyke’s presentation underscored the importance of breaking down communication barriers between law enforcement, public health officials, and addiction treatment professionals. He encouraged Ohio schools to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing drug-related issues and emphasized the critical role of education in preventing drug use among youth.

“Drug education and awareness are key to reducing overdose deaths and protecting our communities,” Van Dyke said in closing. He urged school leaders to leverage available resources, such as public safety bulletins and social media content, to educate students and parents about the dangers of drug use, particularly the risks associated with counterfeit pills and polydrug mixtures.

The training session served as an important reminder of the ongoing challenges Ohio faces in combating the opioid crisis and highlighted the critical role that schools play in addressing these issues. By fostering collaboration and promoting proactive measures, Ohio’s educational and community leaders can continue to make strides toward creating safer environments for students and families across the state.

 

Taiwo AKINLAMI is the Curator-in-Chief of the S.A.F.E for Children® Information Bank, Ohio, a project of Power Parenting Company LLC (http://www.powerparentingcompany.com/)

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