Keep Your Child Safe from Substance Abuse

By Department of Special Services
For Parents
March 30, 2022

With spring break quickly approaching, FCPS and Fairfax County would like everyone to remember that the Fairfax community continues to be profoundly impacted by the opioid epidemic. Consistent with national and state trends, local data on fatal and nonfatal opioid overdoses in the Fairfax Health District has been trending higher in 2021. People of all ages, in all parts of the Fairfax community, continue to be impacted by the opioid epidemic. In addition to opioids, data shows the most used substances amongst youth include nicotine, marijuana, alcohol, and prescription pills outside of a doctor’s recommendation. 
 
To keep our children safe, suggested tips for parents include:

In addition, stay tuned for dates of upcoming virtual, live panel discussions on youth substance use trends in Fairfax County. Viewers will learn how to detect substance use among their children and peers, along with prevention and treatment resources available.  
 
Learn more about FCPS’ Substance Abuse Prevention (SAP) program which can provide prevention and early intervention services and connections to treatment, and the Healthy Minds Fairfax initiative to seek support and resources on substance use and mental health.  
 
For more information on Fairfax County behavioral health resources and the opioid epidemic in Fairfax, visit the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board and the Fairfax County Opioid and Substance Use Task Force.