Falls Church High School student suffers non-fatal overdose

A Falls Church High School student has suffered a non-fatal overdose, Fairfax County Superintendent Michelle Reid announced on April 15.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 28 requires superintendents to notify the community of all school-connected overdoses. The student’s identity and other details were withheld to protect the individual’s privacy.

“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,” Reid wrote. “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,” Reid continued. “So often, families are caught unaware. So many families think it does not affect them until it does. Please be vigilant.”

Reid’s letter also contained tips for parents on how to talk to their child about substance misuse. The advice, from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, include the following:

• Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use.