According to a newly released study, an astonishing 22 young individuals between the ages of 14 and 18 died every week in the United States due to drug overdoses in 2022. Shockingly, Bernalillo County in New Mexico has been identified as a national hotspot for this tragic trend.

The executive director of Serenity Mesa, Jennifer Burke, expressed her deep concern over the increasing number of young people struggling with substance abuse. Notably, the ages of those affected are getting younger, with a significant number of 14 and 15-year-olds being impacted. Sharing her personal experience, Burke revealed her frustration at being unable to access addiction treatment centers for her son until he turned 18, even though he had started using drugs at 16.

The report released by UCLA this week identified Bernalillo County as a major hotbed for fentanyl overdoses, with 23 deaths involving individuals between the ages of 14 and 18 occurring from 2020 to 2022.

In response to the increasing dangers posed by the drug supply, Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of Drug Control Policy at the White House, is advocating for schools to stock naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of an overdose. Gupta, along with the secretary of education, sent a letter to school administrators urging them to develop or revise emergency plans to address potential overdoses occurring on school grounds.

Dr. Gupta emphasized the potential impact of naloxone, stating that if an extra 6.5 million doses were available nationwide, it could save over 26,000 lives. These staggering numbers highlight the urgency of the situation.

Jennifer Burke expressed her heartbreak over the situation, witnessing young lives lost due to drug overdoses on a daily basis. She emphasized the need to confront this issue head-on, acknowledging the undeniable fact that children are dying and it can no longer be ignored.

Albuquerque Public Schools and Rio Rancho Public Schools have taken proactive measures by implementing naloxone in all of their schools, including middle schools and elementary schools. This serves as a positive step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of students.

The letter sent by the White House to school administrators also provided additional resources to aid in the fight against fentanyl use among youth. By equipping schools with naloxone and empowering educators with crucial information, the authorities hope to save lives and combat the devastating consequences of youth drug overdoses.

The alarming statistics surrounding youth drug overdoses in Bernalillo County demand immediate attention and a collective effort from all stakeholders. Protecting the lives of our young people must remain a top priority, and the inclusion of naloxone in schools is a crucial step towards achieving that goal.