Community partners teach students about the dangers of illicit drugs

Sadly, illicit drug use is becoming more and more common among all ages, even kids and teens.

The National Institute on Drug Use (NIDU) reports that one in eight teens has reported abusing illicit drugs in the last year, and that “alcohol is by far the most commonly abused substance among teens and young adults.”

On March 10, members of the Frontier Community Coalition (FCC), Humboldt General Hospital (HGH) Respiratory Director Clarissa Vincent, and Nevada Department of Investigation (NDI) officers on the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team visited the McDermitt Combined School to present a counter-drug presentation to students. 

“We are working on bringing education to our local schools on the harms of tobacco use, vaping, drug use and alcohol abuse .The Frontier community coalition continues to work with local organizations to do presentations at our schools. We believe that education for our youth in these areas is super important,” said FCC Humboldt County Coordinator Brooke Esquibel in an email.  

According to NDI Sergeant John Dunckhorst, the NDI officers presented information to the students in McDermitt covering the dangers of “vaping, marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl” and “touched on the benefits and purpose for Naloxone.”

Naloxone is a medicine that immediately reverses the effects of a drug overdose and saves lives every day. 

The FCC frequently hosts free classes that educate people about naloxone and how to use it. Participants also have the opportunity to receive a naloxone kit for emergencies after the course. 

Thanks to Vincent’s medical equipment, students were able to examine two pairs of real human lungs for themselves—one healthy and one damaged by tobacco use. Students were able to ask hard questions and see first-hand the effects of vaping and smoking on the lungs. 

“I absolutely love getting out in the schools and the community sharing information and giving them a hands-on experience and understanding of the risks from smoking and vaping,” said Vincent.

No one wants to think about the unfortunate reality that students and other children may grow up and become addicted to drugs or alcohol, but proper education is key to combating this tragedy, hopefully before it happens.  

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) takes place March 20 through the 24 and aims to spread awareness and inspire thoughtful conversations with youth about actual science about drug use and addiction. 

A similar presentation will also be given to students at French Ford Middle School and the Winnemucca Junior High School during NDAFW.

“We want to thank NDI and HGH for coming out and educating our students on the dangers of harmful substances and how important it is to take care of yourself for the future and the present,” said McDermitt Combined School Social Worker, April Wilkinson.