8 Things Teens Need to Know About National Fentanyl Awareness Day
Join National Fentanyl Awareness Day to help raise public awareness about an urgent problem: illegally made fentanyl.
Jennifer Epstein, Director of Education & Outreach, Song for Charlie
Derek E. Baird, Chief Youth Officer, BeMe Health
1. It’s a Day of Action: National Fentanyl Awareness Day is not just another holiday. It’s a day when people across the country come together to take action and raise awareness about the serious issue of illegally made fentanyl, a powerful opioid that is causing a record number of youth overdose deaths nationally.
To increase awareness about the dangers of counterfeit or fentanyl-laced pills, BeMe has teamed up with Song For Charlie for National Fentanyl Awareness Day. We aim to educate teenagers to #JustSayKNOW through our social media channels, webinar, BeingMe Podcast, and the BeMe app.
2. It’s About Raising Public Awareness: The main goal of National Fentanyl Awareness Day is to spread the word about the dangers of illegally made fentanyl that is being put into counterfeit pills that are being sold on social media and being added to other illicit drugs such as MDMA, cocaine, and heroin.
3. Facts About Fentanyl: Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid often used medically to treat severe pain. However, illegally made fentanyl is much more potent and can be deadly even in small amounts. It’s crucial to understand the difference between legal and illegal fentanyl.
We know most teens choose not to use illicit substances, which is great! However, we believe that by educating teenagers who may be tempted to try street drugs about the increased risks and consequences of those drugs with the onset of fentanyl, we can work towards preventing misuse. BeMe is helping raise awareness by featuring Song For Charlie content in the BeMe app.
4. It’s an Urgent Problem: Even though teen illicit drug use has been trending down for the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of overdose deaths due to the addition of illicit fentanyl into the street drug supply. National Fentanyl Awareness Day aims to highlight the urgency of this issue and spur action to combat it.
5. Anyone Can Be at Risk: Contrary to popular belief, fentanyl misuse is not limited to a particular age, gender, or background. It can affect anyone, including teenagers, who may unknowingly get fentanyl if they decide to experiment with oxy, Percocet, MDMA, or cocaine, or if they try to self-medicate with Xanax or Adderall. It’s essential to be aware of the risks and make informed choices.
6. Spread the Word on Social Media: Social media can be a powerful tool for spreading awareness. Join the conversation by using hashtags like #FentanylAwarenessDay and sharing educational posts, infographics, and personal stories curated by Song For Charlie to raise awareness among your peers.
7. Seek Help If Needed: If you or someone you know is struggling with substance misuse, it’s essential to seek help. Resources such as helplines, support groups, and treatment options are available. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
8. You Can Make a Difference: As a teenager, you have the power to make a difference in your community. By educating yourself and others about the dangers of illegally made fentanyl, advocating for prevention measures, and supporting those affected by its misuse, you can help save lives and create positive change.
Song for Charlie is a national family-run nonprofit charity dedicated to raising awareness about ‘fentapills’ — fake pills made of fentanyl.
BeMe is a mobile mental health platform — made for and With Teens In Mind™ — to improve teen well-being by bringing together the best aspects of digital media, live support, and clinical care.
