The nonprofit organization Song for Charlie is the first to launch the program in California. Thanks to a $1 million investment, this resource will be available in Oregon.
PORTLAND, Ore. — A free online resource center aimed at educating parents and families about fentanyl is now available in Oregon.
“New Drug Talk” was first launched in California last fall by the nonprofit organization Song for Charlie. Now, thanks to his $1 million investment from Trillium Community Health Plan, this resource is available in Oregon.
“We're bringing this conversation to people's kitchen tables, living rooms, and family settings,” said Jennifer Epstein, director of strategic programs at Song for Charlie.
Mr. Epstein is a longtime Oregon resident who is dedicated to making fentanyl education more accessible. New Drug Talk provides mock conversations, video explanations, and links to local mental health and substance use support.
“Most parents don't really understand the illegal drug market and how it affects young people today,” she says.
Epstein first learned of the dangers of fentanyl after the death of his 18-year-old son, Cal. Ms Epstein and her husband found Ms Cull unresponsive in her room in 2020. The teenage boy thought he was taking oxycodone pills.
“As I looked around the room, I saw a small bag with several pills in it. Detectives on the scene that morning immediately determined that they were suspected to be fake and likely contained fentanyl. “I said,” she explained.
Fentanyl is often found in counterfeit medicines, but users don't know it's there.
“They may be looking for Xanax, Oxy, Percocet, Adderall, or they may think they're trying another drug, but in reality, they're getting more powerful fentanyl. ,” Epstein said.
This is an important conversation for parents who don't know when or how to respond to danger to their children.
Epstein said based on a study her team conducted in Oregon that found 73% of parents talk to their kids about the dangers of prescription drugs, but fewer teens remember those conversations. said it was only 45%.
“Even if parents are talking about it, the message doesn't necessarily get through,” Epstein added.
Jenny Carey, mental and behavioral health coordinator for the Hillsboro School District, said these types of resources like New Drug Talk are critical for parents.
“I think building bridges with families is the most important prevention work we can do regarding mental health substance use,” Carey said.
She added that when staff talk to students about overdoses and drugs, the conversation often centers on other students who have lost their lives.
“Unfortunately, some of our neighboring school districts are experiencing loss of students due to overdose deaths, so this is something that, of course, has to be part of our work and programs. ,” Carey said. “We have to start working to prevent that from happening to students in our region.”
She added that one of the first ways to combat substance abuse is mental health support.
“Stress and mental health needs are very basic for people who are looking for substances to cope,” Carey explained. “If we can talk about stress and our needs to resolve it in our systems, we will be able to cope better and find that far fewer people will turn to substances.”
Epstein witnessed firsthand how mental health and drug use are interconnected. When Cal passed away, he was struggling with anxiety. This personal understanding is the driving force behind Mr. Epstein's defense.
“I want to remember the way he lived his life, because he was such a great kid and I really thought he was on a great path and was going to do great things,” Epstein said. Ta. “But we also know that sharing this information is changing lives. If we can prevent other families from experiencing the same loss that we did, we want to do it.” .”
New Drug Talk will officially launch in Oregon on May 7, National Fentanyl Awareness Day.