TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
a drug dealer, thinking it was Percocet. Percocet is traditionally used to treat moderate pain. Toxicology reports later revealed no Percocet in Zach’s system, only fentanyl. Social media sites have become a haven for the distribution of tainted pills. Dr. Young reiterated that Zach’s story is becoming all too common. No one dismisses the plight of hard-core addicts, but this fentanyl crisis is different. It only takes one time using a laced, illicit or counterfeit drug to die. You cannot taste or smell fentanyl; it is nearly impossible to tell if drugs are laced with it. Six out of ten counterfeit pills contain fentanyl, and fentanyl-related deaths more than tripled between 2016 and 2021. It is the leading cause of death among those aged 18-45. Dr. Young is widely known in our community for educating our youth about the dangers of vaping. He has recently shifted his focus to fentanyl and drug overdoses because “at this point, it’s triage.” Sharing the “One Pill Can Kill” mantra with local students has become a mission he takes very seriously. “I feel a responsibility to give back to a community that has given so much to me.” Corporal Les Munn of the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department (TAPD) is equally passionate about educating the youth of Texarkana. “You can tell that overdoses are up by the amount of Narcan/Naloxone administered by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), law enforcement officers, and emergency room professionals.” Narcan/Naloxone is a medication that quickly
information officer for TAPD. His message is stern about what guidance parents should offer when talking to their kids about drugs. “Kids must learn the world’s ways from their parents, not other kids. Get to know your kids and remind them daily of your morals and values. Society has gotten lazy about communicating with kids. It is the parent’s responsibility.” His advice is simple but could make all the difference. Changes in moods or mannerisms, breaks in routines, and inappropriate social media and screen activity may be signals that something is off. If you discover or suspect a problem, “There’s no room for being mad or expressing blame or anger. Do not yell or judge, but have a real conversation,” Munn said. If your child or another loved one is using drugs, you must seek help. There are doctors and counselors who can help you take the right steps and get you on the right path. Parents, when the back-to-school shopping is done, the lunches are packed, and the academic goals have been set, take a moment to talk to your children about the dangers of drug use. Educate
yourselves and educate your kids. As a community, we owe it to ourselves and our children to learn more and participate in the conversation regarding opioid addiction and the fentanyl crisis.
reverses an opioid overdose. Due to the growing use of fentanyl, its use is also on the rise. Munn is easily recognizable as a leader in our community and serves as the public
FOR HELP, CALL... National Drug Addiction Hotline 1-844-289-0879 Harbor House Inc.-Texarkana 870-331-0732 OR VISIT... www.dea.gov/onepill PRESCRIPTION DRUG RETURN BOX LOCATIONS Bi-State Justice Center 100 Front Street Texarkana, USA 75501 (Behind Bi-State Justice Center) Miller County Sheriff’s Office 2300 East Street Texarkana, Arkansas 71854 Texarkana Emergency Center 4646 Cowhorn Creek Road Texarkana, Texas 75503
Prescription return boxes are available in three locations around town to properly dispose of unwanted, old, or expired prescription drugs. ITEMS THAT ARE ACCEPTED
Prescriptions, prescription patches, prescription medications, prescription ointments, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, samples, and medications for pets. ITEMS THAT ARE NOT ACCEPTED No ointments, lotions, or liquids, needles, aerosol cans, inhalers, hydrogen peroxide, thermometers, medication from businesses or clinics. If you have any questions call and make sure your item is accepted. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you have any questions about this program please call 903-798-3130.
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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