Families & Students: 
 
We have seen an increase in the number of students becoming ill and needing medical attention because they have willingly ingested substances with unknown ingredients. This is why we are sending an important health and safety message to students and families about the dangers of eating or drinking food, drinks, and substances in which the ingredients are unknown. This includes gummies, edibles, vapes, loose medication, unpackaged food, and drinks. 
 
Substances with unknown ingredients can be laced with deadly drugs that can cause hospitalization, and in some cases, death. Any time a student engages in this dangerous behavior they put their life at risk. Foods and other substances can be laced with fentanyl, an odorless and tasteless synthetic opioid. This makes the consumption of unknown substances even more risky, especially because it only takes 2 mg of fentanyl to cause death. To put this in context, 2 mg of fentanyl is equivalent to just 5 grains of salt. 
 
It is not just drugs like fentanyl that are concerning. Gummies, edibles, vapes, and food/drinks with unknown amounts of cannabis can cause extreme illness that leads to the need for immediate emergency medical attention and hospitalization. 
 
Giving Another Student Any Substance with Illegal Drugs Is Considered Distribution 
It is important to understand that if a student gives or sells drugs that are illegal for underage individuals to another student at school or a school-sanctioned event, it is considered distribution. Distribution is a significant offense that can and will lead to an expulsion and police involvement.   
 
Families – Please reinforce this message to your children. This is a danger that cannot be taken lightly. It is also important to encourage your children to be involved in activities, clubs, or athletics.  Keeping our children engaged helps keep them safe.  Below are the links to our athletics and activities webpages by campus.  Contact the sponsor or coach for more information on how to sign up. 
Central Club/Activity Offerings 
Central Spring Sports Offerings 
 
West Club/Activity Offerings 
West Spring Sports Offerings 
 
Students – Please take this warning seriously. If you are aware of dangerous behavior occurring amongst your peers, please immediately report it to a staff member or trusted adult. JTHS has a full-time Substance Abuse Clinician dedicated to assisting students who are engaging in risky behavior like substance abuse.  If you, or a student you know, need help with substance abuse, please tell a staff member or a member of our school counseling team.  You can complete the Request for Support Form for yourself or on behalf of another student. We also need you to remember that if you knowingly give or sell another student a substance with illegal drugs at school or school-sanctioned event, you will be expelled, and the police will be involved. Even giving one student a substance containing illegal drugs is considered distribution. 
   
Thank you in advance for taking this message with the utmost amount of seriousness. By working together, we can keep our children healthy and safe.  Helpful resources are below. 
Discussing Drugs & Alcohol with Your Kids 
Fentanyl PSA Video