Riverhead School Narcan Saves Appear 'Unrelated,' Not Opioids: PD

RIVERHEAD, NY — Three incidents at Riverhead High School in recent days that include two students revived by Narcan and another who felt ill after ingesting an edible appear "unrelated" and not related to opioids or fentanyl, Riverhead Police Chief David Hegermiller said Tuesday.

"This is not a crisis," Hegermiller told Patch. He said that just because Narcan was administered it "doesn't mean that there was an opioid overdose." Also, he said, as far as the investigation indicates so far, "it appears all" the incidents were "not caused by opioids or fentanyl."

While there has been no "concrete evidence so far, it's all pointing in this direction," Hegermiller said.

Riverhead Police said on February 4, the patrol division responded to a 911 call for an aided case involving the possible overdose of a Riverhead High School student. Upon arrival the student was found alert and conscious, police said.

The school nurse reported that Narcan was administered to the student, and the student was subsequently transported to Peconic Bay Medial Center by Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps, police said.

During an interview with the student, he stated that he had utilized a vape pen given to him from another student in the class, police said.

On February 10, the Riverhead police responded to a 911 call for an aided case involving a Riverhead High School Student who had "passed out," police said. When police arrived, the student was found alert and conscious, police said. The school nurse reported that Narcan had been administered to the student, who was then transported to Peconic Bay Medial Center by Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps, police said.

The student, during an interview, stated that he has been ill for the last few weeks and had not utilized any illegal narcotics, police said.

On Monday, police responded to a 911 call at the high school for an aided case involving a Riverhead High School Student who'd had difficulty breathing, authorities said.

The student was treated and was subsequently transported to Peconic Bay Medial Center by Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps, police said.

"The student stated that he was given a THC chocolate candy bar from an unidentified person in the Flanders area," police said. Once at school the student ate about half of the THC chocolate, police said.

The Riverhead Police Department said it investigates all suspected overdoses, and although the investigations are ongoing it appears that they are unrelated — two being self-induced and with no caused by opioids or fentanyl, Hegermiller said.

"The Riverhead High School does have a strict policy against all illegal drug use as well as nicotine and vaping products," police said. "Parents are strongly urged to have a conversation with their children about the dangers of drug use and to seek help if needed."

Psychologists, social workers and school counselors are available at the school to help; additional information for parents is listed here, with resources provided by the Riverhead Community Awareness program.

Hegermiller told Patch that with the investigation indicating that all three incidents were unrelated to opioids or fentanyl, substances including nicotine can make a person feel light-headed. In addition, if a person in administered Narcan who is not overdosing, it will cause no harmful effect, the chief said.

As the investigation continues, Hegermiller said: "We're trying to piece it all together. The last piece will be the medical records, which hopefully will not not take too much longer. We’re working on it."

On Monday, ccording to Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps Assistant Chief James Alfano, the ambulance was called to the high school before 11 a.m. for a student who was difficulty breathing and was feeling dizzy.

"He admitted to ingesting a chocolate edible," Alfano said. The student never lost consciousness and no Narcan was used, he said. The student was alert and was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center for observation, Alfano said.

Last week, Narcan was adminstered twice at the school after student overdoses, Alfano said. After the first overdose, which took place on Feb. 4, the student admitted to vaping, Alfano said.

Of the situation, Alfano said: "Obviously, there's a problem. There is someone, or there could be multiple people, bringing these things in and it's getting spread around. Right now we don't know what it is or how it's being brought in."

Alfano also turned to social media to share a warning: "The Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps would like to warn parents about a recent influx of life-threatening overdoses that have been occurring within school," he wrote. "While the specific drug or substance that is being used or ingested at this time is still unknown to school administration and law enforcement, please be aware that overdoses have been seen after the usage of vape pens and has also been seen mixed in with candy."

Below is some advice to share with children about how to avoid drug-usage, according to Alfano.

1. Take inventory of all prescription or over-the-counter medications in your home. While it may not be your child who taking them, peer pressure to supply others still exists.

2. Help your child avoid dangerous substances. Point out harmful chemicals such as vapes, or vape pens, as well as potential ingestible drugs that could be hidden in foods and candy.

3. Remind your child that if they are offered any type of food, drink, snack, or candy from a friend, to please decline the offer.

4. Teach your child different ways to say "No!". Parents are the strongest influence that children have. Brainstorm with your children about how to turn down drug offers.

5. Correct any wrong beliefs your child may have. Help them understand the difference between make-believe TV scenarios, and real life. Without immediate treatment, an overdose of any type could cause life threatening ailments or even death.

6. Talk to them about the word Narcan. While it may be seen in the news, social media, or talked about around school, Narcan is a medication that reverses the effects of a narcotic overdose. Let them know this medication is not a second chance at life. It may not always work, depending on what is taken and how much.

7. Remind your child, "If you see something, say something." Information regarding the type of substance being used, where its coming from, or who is using it can be reported confidentially to both school administration and the Riverhead Town Police Department.

8. Be aware of possible red flags such as: Sudden or extreme change in friends, eating habits, sleeping patterns, physical appearance, and academic performance.

9. Get professional help. If you think your child is involved in drug use, contact a doctor, counselor, or other health care provider for help.

On Monday, Riverhead High School Principal Sean O'Hara posted a new message to Blue Waves families: "Due to an increasing concern, the high school administrative team has been working closely to develop strategies to assist our students in making the most sound choices for themselves," he said. "The district takes these matters very seriously and I can assure you that we are working to take several proactive steps to address the topic directly."

To date, those steps have included partnering with local law enforcement and beginning to plan for several upcoming initiatives, O'Hara said.

In the weeks ahead, the district will be hosting a virtual assembly for students about the dangers of alcohol and drug usage and will be offering training opportunities for administrators and any interested staff members, he said.

"Additionally, as partners in education, we will be hosting a community event in the near future to extend Narcan/drug and alcohol awareness training to our residents, families and community," O'Hara said. "As you are likely aware, our response to drug and alcohol awareness is largely supported by our team of mental health professionals who work in our schools each day. Should you or your child need assistance at any time, please don't hesitate to reach out to our school psychologists, social workers and school counselors."

Felicia Scocozza, executive director of the Riverhead Community Awareness Program, which leads prevention efforts in the district, said CAP has a social worker placed in the high school to support students.

"CAP works with Riverhead School District and our coalition partners to prevent youth drug and alcohol use in the schools and community," she said. "We have a variety of resources on our website to help parents have conversations around these issues."

Last week, when the two two students overdosed at Riverhead High School, the were saved with Narcan, officials said.

A representative from the Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps told Patch that the teens were overdosing on "some sort of opiate," but could not confirm what drug they had taken.

These investigation is still ongoing; anyone with addition information is asked to call the Riverhead Town Police at 631-727-4500 ext. 312 or the Riverhead Police Department Crime Hotline at 631-727-3333. All calls will be kept confidential.