What Can You Do?

As a community member:

Be an advocate for health and safety in your community!

• Social media is powerful. Share news and facts from reputable sources such as the CDC, the DEA, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) on opioid use and fentanyl.
• Join Levittown Community Action Coalition to attend more information sessions, workshops, and town hall meetings to stay up to date on trends in the Levittown area and local prevention efforts. 
• Share resources with organizations that serve youth in your community such as youth groups and sports leagues. 
• Lead conversation with other adults in your area about the opioid and fentanyl epidemics. Have discussions with colleagues, friends, and family.
• Get trained to administer Naloxone and keep this within your home, on your person, and/ or at work. If you feel you or your business may benefit from a Naloxone training, please reach out to lcac@yesccc.org or call Hannah Moore at 516-719-0313 ext 223.

As a school or educator:

Prevention science has shown that there is a knowledge gap in understanding the danger of opioids and fentanyl, particularly among youth. Schools are important assets to closing this gap.

• Include information on fentanyl in drug education curriculum and as a complement to evidence-based programs already implemented in the school. Visit the DEA's Operation Prevention website for school and curriculum resources. 
• Disseminate parent emails and social media campaigns with information on opioids and fentanyl.
• Hold student assemblies and meetings for the Board of Education and parent organizations with information on fentanyl and other opioids.
• Train staff in administering Naloxone and have this readily available within the school.
• Advocate for students to get involved in peer to peer programming, such as Levittown Young Organizers United to Help.

As a parent:

The tragedy of an overdose can happen to anyone. A "not my kid" mentality can be dangerous. Instead, follow these steps to keep you and your family safe:

• Stay up to date on current trends and issues regarding drug use in your community.
• Have an open dialogue with your child on this information. Ask questions and don't be afraid to be direct. Have frequent conversations, even if they're quick. Any amount of time discussing this with your child can help keep them safe. LCAC offers programs in partnership with YES Community Counseling Center to provide the necessary skills to open lines of communication with your child. See our Active Parenting Page for more information.
• Model behavior that you want to see in your child.
• Look out for signs of stress, mental health issues, and substance use such as: a drop in performance at work school, frequently getting into trouble, engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, unexplained changes in personality or attitude, mood swings, lack of motivation, sudden changes in hobbies or friend groups, and an unexplained need for money. Physical symptoms might present as bloodshot eyes and abnormally sized pupils, sudden weight loss or weight gain, deterioration of physical appearance, and unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.
• Keep Naloxone in the house.
• Monitor or be aware of the social media content your child might be viewing or engaging with. Fake pills are often bought online or through apps like Snapchat. 

As a youth or young adult:

• Presume all pills and/ or powder that were not received from a pharmacy or healthcare provider are counterfeit and contain fentanyl. Illegal pills do not come with an ingredient list - any amount of a pill can be lethal. Never use a substance that was bought online or through social media.
• Be aware that anyone trying to sell or encourage you to take a substance are not a friend to you. Even if you trust the person, do not trust the pill - it can be deadly.
• Don't be afraid to ask an adult for help if you're experiencing stress, poor mental health, or are using substances. There are resources within your school and community built to provide support! See our Find Treatment Page for more.
• Get involved in your community! Find organizations and clubs that fit your interests. Learn more about Levittown's youth coalition, Levittown Y.O.U.T.H.

As a business:

• Consider getting involved with local organizations like LCAC or YES Community Counseling Center to create community partnerships that actively work to keep your staff, customers, and clients safe. LCAC is happy to provide presentations and workshops to your organization on drug education and prevention skills. 
• Keep Naloxone at your workplace.