Thread by @jeppdx

Expected but still shocking, and tragic. Youth are disproportionately affected by the wave of illicit fentanyl, sold to them as counterfeit pills often over social media. While the near 100K deaths grew ~30% for all ages, deaths of kids ages 10-19 grew +86% in 2020. RT please!(1)

https://twitter.com/jeppdx/status/1448322568570556418

>7k youth ages 10-24 died from drugs in 2020, a +50% increase v 2019.(17K under 30). Deaths for these 3 5-year age groups grew the fastest out of all ages.This was driven by illicit fentanyl, often sold in counterfeit pills over social media, disguised as legit Rx. Teens +86%!(2)

Not yet final, but the provisional data show a heartbreaking story for all, all who matter...AND clarity how youth have been impacted disproportionately by the growth of illicit fentanyl.76% of drug deaths age 15-24 had fentanyl involved,45% w/o Rx, Heroin, Meth, or Cocaine. (3)

The reason: youth are more impacted by illicit fentanyl sold as counterfeit pills. Stress, reach for medicine, don't know the risk, get fentanyl instead...die. They rate fentanyl & Rx opioids as far less dangerous than heroin & cocaine, but are dying from it at 5x the rate. (4)

And the story is worse the younger you go. In teens, fentanyl is rated as dangerous as cigarettes and 73% had not heard of counterfeit pills. Over a third don't know enough about fentanyl to rate its danger. We must educate them! (5)

While we polarize on the HALT & STOP Fentanyl Acts, Narcan, test strips, safer supply...all of which may be necessary, but are insufficient alone or together to protect youth...we must also invest in giving them the info they need to make wise choices & the skills to cope. (6)

Free lessons, presentations, videos, posters,& much more is available @SongforCharlie to help warn & educate youth on the risks of illicit fentanyl in counterfeit pills. Retweet this, like/follow, get engaged. songforcharlie.org. (7)

We have it within us to both save lives now with relatively simple awareness campaigns AND work on bigger systemic solutions that will take longer. In fact, we owe it to our youth. Please RT & spread the word to save lives! (Mortality Data Source: wonder.cdc.gov/mcd-icd10-prov…)
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