The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) and the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO) have joined forces with the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) and Cornwall Police Services to host a virtual information workshop on the issue of fentanyl use.
The focus of the workshop is on the growing popularity of fentanyl among recreational drug users and the risk this trend poses for young people. The virtual event is open to parents and guardians, community leaders, and also youth who are interested in the issue.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opiode, similar to morphine but much more powerful. It is used in medicine for severe pain relief. Recreational drug users often mix fentanyl with methamphetamine, heroin, and/or cocaine. The risk is that fentanyl is so much stronger than morphine and other drugs that first-time users and also regular drug users can overdose and die because they underestimated the potency of fentanyl.
The online information event is scheduled for May 27, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., and begins with a presentation from a panel of representatives from the school boards and police, and local experts on health issues related to substance abuse and mental health. After the presentation the panel will answer questions from the virtual audience.
Anyone who wishes to register to take part in the May 27 event can do so at https://forms.office.com/r/s4TmWrW6p5.
