Fentanyl and Opioid Awareness

Important Information

Unlike most opiates, fentanyl can be lethal with the first use. It only takes a two-milligram dose, similar to 5-7 grains of salt, to cause death for an average size adult.

It's not just street drugs that are being laced with fentanyl - even fake, everyday medications like Tylenol and Ritalin are being made with fentanyl and sold via social media.

You can't tell the difference between a real pill or a lethal one. Fentanyl doesn't change the smell, taste, or texture - so you have no idea it is there. You should only take medication that comes directly from a pharmacy or medication you purchased at a retail store.

Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.

Education Resources

Toolkit for Parents

Parent Toolkit PDF - download or print

Supported by the Wildcat Region

Grant funding, staff efforts, and public awareness campaigns have been supported by health depaWildcat Region logortments and other government agencies in the Wildcat Region, including:

  • Geary County
  • Pottawatomie County
  • Riley County
  1. Top 10 Tips to keep kids safe from addiction

Top 10 tips to keep kids safe from addiction:

  1. Talk early and often.
    • Talk early and often about risks associated with alcohol, RX medications, and other substances.
    • Isn’t a one-time chat, it is an ongoing dialogue.
    • Tell 
  2. Support Healthy Activities
    • Healthy attachment and prosocial engagement
    • “Feeling like you belong and are engaged in positive activities.”
  3. Set clear expectations of NO drug use.
    • Remind your kids that you expect them not to use alcohol or drugs, be clear about these expectations.
  4. Establish clear consequences.
    • Rather than saying “you’ll be grounded” or “you’ll be in big trouble” be specific: If you use alcohol or drugs, then the consequence will be x for y amount of time.”
    • Remember to reward children for healthy behavior and positive decision-making.
  5. It’s not your job to be cool.
    • Youth need a parental guide to support them safely into adulthood by setting clear expectations and holding them accountable.
  6. Do not provide alcohol or drugs to your teens.
  7. Pay attention.
    • Staying engaged throughout adolescent years is critically important.
    • Let other parents know that your kid is not allowed to use substances under any circumstances.
    • Ask about their house rules.
    • Be transparent with your child.
  8. Make time for your child.
    • Remember to carve out family time.
  9. Prioritize sleep.
    • Getting a good night’s sleep is critical for mental and physical health.
  10. Intervene early.
    • If you think your kid may be struggling with substance use do not wait to get help.

Social Media Toolkit

Share what you learn. Let's work together to save lives.

Graphics and Images to Download

Prevention starts on day 1 text on yellow background

Substance use disorder is complex. It can happen to people of all ages and incomes - even people who don't look like they're struggling. Help is out there and you don't have to go through it alone. Reach out on Day 1. Don't wait. 

talk to your kids about the dangers of drugs on black background

Talk to your kids early and often about the risks associated with alcohol, illicit drugs, Rx medications, and other substances. It isn’t a one-time chat. It is an ongoing and open dialogue to keep your kids safe. 

mom talking to adolescent daughter

Parents, remind your kids that you expect them not to use alcohol or drugs. Be clear about these expectations and the consequences. 

Fentanyl can be lethal with the first use. It only takes a 2 milligram dose, similar to 5-7 grains of salt, to cause death for an average size adult. Fentanyl doesn't change the smell, taste, or texture - so you have no idea it is there. #OnePillCanKill 

close up image of pills on a grey background

You can't tell the difference between a real pill or a lethal one. Fentanyl doesn't change the smell, taste, or texture - so you have no idea it is there. You should only take medication that comes directly from a pharmacy or medication you purchased at a retail store. #OnePillCanKill

small amount of white powder on the tip of a pencil

Unlike most opiates, fentanyl can be lethal with the first use. It only takes a 2-milligram dose, similar to 5-7 grains of salt, to cause death for an average-size adult. #OnePillCanKill