ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Fake pills containing fentanyl have become a growing concern, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is ramping up efforts to better educate parents and students in schools.
The DEA launched Operation Engage and hosted a family summit to address the opioid epidemic, but the federal agency also collaborates with school districts to teach parents the problem signs and ways to get help.
School divisions have reached out to the DEA to hold presentations or the department itself will reach out, especially after cases of student overdoses.
The latest teamwork took place at Alexandria City High School, where dozens of parents and children attended a workshop that explains the dangers of opioids, particularly fentanyl.
"We are doing more on community outreach," said DEA Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Division Jarod Forget. "At the DEA, we got to do more. It will take everybody, the schools, parents, faculty, and caregivers to work directly with students."
School officials say parents have been demanding more information. In other parts of the DMV, students have overdosed because of fentanyl laced in other drugs.
"It's a big problem and we just need to be more aware," said Alexandria City High School parent Carri Almomen. "I'm very scared because you don't know. It could be anything. It could be in candy."
Most recently in Montgomery County, three elementary school students were hospitalized after police say they became sick from ingesting a controlled substance that looked like candy.
In February, a Wakefield High School student in Arlington died after an apparent overdose. The incident prompted rallies from parents who demanded more safety measures in place.
"We are focusing specifically on educating mom and dad," said Alexandria City Public Schools Substance Abuse Services Coordinator Fredy Martinez. "They can tell when a child is presenting signs of risk behavior, how they can get services and support and be as early as possible in getting the help they need."
ACPS held previous presentations with positive responses from the community. In many cases, parents are surprised after learning about new and critical information.
Almomen added, "There's more to be learned."