Reply to Drug overdose @Justice HS

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Are there any details on this? [/quote]

Just this, talking about teen drinking, parental influence, etc:

December 5, 2023
Dear FCPS Families,

I am writing to make you aware of a fatal overdose in the community that was reported last night by Fairfax County Police involving a student from Justice High School. Out of concern for the student’s privacy, we will not be releasing further information about the circumstances of this incident. I invite you to join me in keeping all of those affected by this tragic loss in our thoughts and prayers as we grieve the loss of a young life.

We do want to be sure that every parent and caregiver has appropriate resources, as we know that substance misuse continues to be a problem in Fairfax County, as well as throughout the Commonwealth and nationwide. It is important that we treat substance use disorders and overdoses with compassion, grace and understanding. As a community, we all play a role in reducing the stigma associated with substance use disorders, while also focusing on substance misuse prevention. So often, families are caught unaware. So many families think it does not affect them, until it does. Please be vigilant.

One of the best ways you can help is to talk to your child about substance misuse. The following tips from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) can help guide your conversation:

Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. Young people listen to the adults in their lives. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink.

Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success. Young people are more likely to listen when they know you are on their side. Make sure they know that you are talking to them about substance misuse because you care about their safety and well-being.

Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. You want your child to make informed decisions about alcohol and other drugs with reliable information about their dangers. Establish yourself as a trustworthy source of information. Helpful resources are linked below.

Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors. Show you are aware of what your child is up to, as young people are more likely to drink or use other drugs if they think no one will notice. Discourage unhealthy risky behaviors like substance use, while encouraging healthy activities.

Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Even if you don’t think your child wants to drink or try other drugs, peer pressure is powerful. Children will make better choices when they have a clear plan to avoid alcohol and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say “no thanks.”

FCPS also educates students on prevention strategies. Students learn how substance use impacts their health, academic achievement, and relationships. If you have concerns about your child, please reach out to your school in accessing helpful services. Additional resources can be found on our website.

As always, if you have any information about safety concerns at your child’s school, FCPS' Office of Safety and Security also has a safety tip line that you can access anonymously online, by text, or by phone.

Substance misuse is an ongoing challenge for our Commonwealth and our nation. Here in Fairfax County Public Schools, we will continue our strong collaboration with health officials, law enforcement, and families to keep our students safe.[/quote]

[b]TOTS AND PEARS[/b].[/quote]

Wow. How old are you??
My initial instinct/hope is that you are under 25, and the not-yet-fully-formed judgement center in your brain wasn’t able to tell you that posting a mocking version of “thoughts and prayers” is not as clever and cute as you think it is.

So I hope you are able to reflect on the reality that a child in our community has died.

And then remove that pithy response from your repertoire, replacing it with something a little more sincere and compassionate.[/quote]

Feel better now?[/quote]

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