Community Alert Regarding Rainbow Fentanyl

Press release from the Berkeley Unified School District:

BERKELEY, CA — Some new information was brought to my attention that I think is important for every parent, caregiver, and educator to be aware of. The intent of this communication is not to cause panic but rather arm us, as a community, with information so that our babies are safe.

Some new information was brought to my attention that I think is important for every parent, caregiver, and educator to be aware of. The intent of this communication is not to cause panic but rather arm us, as a community, with information so that our babies are safe.

Yesterday, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a news release warning school district leaders about the danger of brightly-colored fentanyl, referred to as rainbow fentanyl, a “potentially fatal drug found in pills and powders in a variety of bright colors, shapes and sizes that could attract young people,” according to the release.

Yesterday, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a

These colorful pills can appear to be candy and attractive to young people.

These colorful pills can appear to be candy and attractive to young people.

This photo, provided by the DEA, demonstrates a potential risk to children who might mistake this dangerous drug for candy.

The United State Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) indicates that Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, which is equal to 10-15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose. Without laboratory testing, there is no way to know how much fentanyl is concentrated in a pill or powder.

Furthermore, the DEA warns that rainbow fentanyl has been identified as a new trend. This fentanyl can be found in many forms, including pills, powder, and blocks that can resemble sidewalk chalk or candy. Any pill (regardless of its color, shape, or size) that does not come from a health care provider or pharmacist can contain fentanyl and can be deadly.

Anyone who encounters fentanyl in any form should not handle it and should call 911 immediately.

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In Community,

Enikia Ford Morthel
Superintendent

This press release was produced by the Berkeley Unified School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.