Recent overdoses within the community have turned a spotlight to the issue. The focus of Poway district officials is maintaining a safe environment where students can succeed.
In response to these concerns, the school has resources aimed to help raise awareness and provide help.
The counseling department offers confidential mental support, while the health office also offers physical support and now stocks opioid antidotes.
“Narcan is used in case of an opioid overdose; it can do no harm to anybody, even if someone has not overdosed it won’t hurt, but if you did it would save your life,” health office attendant Brett Williams said.
This medication is just one part of the approach the school community has taken to address substance use and its effects.
Last spring, a PUSD Community Safety Summit underscored the crucial role of both prevention and education in addressing the ongoing drug epidemic in our community.
As James Fontaine, a prosecutor with the District Attorney’s Office for 24 years and chief of the Major Narcotics Division, explained, his team targets high-level drug traffickers. Fontaine often speaks to students, parents, and community leaders about the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of reducing harm caused by the opioid crisis affecting the community.
“Preventing addiction before it starts, through education and awareness, identifying signs of addiction early, and intervening before the issue escalates is essential. We also need to offer support and resources to those already struggling with addiction, minimizing further harm,” Fontaine said.
Health teacher Erin Studley explained the need for a compassionate and proactive approach.
“I’ve had students who usually had an underlying mental health issue, so I don’t pass judgment—I try to be a support system for my students,” Studley said.
These insights show the shared commitment within the community to face the issue of opioid use head-on, through both education and support.