A school district is in an important race. Their opponent is fentanyl

BOERNE, TEXAS — Boerne ISD is racing to educate people about the pill that can kill.

This as overdoses continue to rise in Bexar County.

“Have those discussions with your kids, even if they are tough, even if they are difficult,” Bryan Benway said.

The Boerne ISD Spokesman said the time is now to talk about the dangers of fentanyl.

Hays CISD in San Marcos has lost several students this school year to fentanyl overdoses.

“We want to do everything that we can, as a school district to help educate and hopefully prevent that from happening here,” Benway said.

Abigail Moore with SACADA said from 2019 to 2021 Bexar County’s overdose numbers nearly doubled, most as a result of fentanyl.

“The drug pushers and individuals that are selling drugs, are innovative, they're always thinking, unfortunately, of new approaches on how to get to people,” Moore said.

In the presentation given by the district Thursday night officials explained how people are even buying and selling drugs using emojis or code words.

“It's important that we just give our people and alert, you know, to the parents, the students and say, hey, this is close to us. So don't feel like we're safe and nothing's going to happen here in a small town,” Boerne Police Chief Steve Perez said.

As a Boerne ISD parent Chief Perez said education is a top priority.

“All it takes is that one time and they could lose their life,” Chief Perez said.

Dr. Shawn Varney said no one is immune to the impacts of fentanyl.

“There are numerous stories about parents and they're talking about their children. Of course, they're the model children they are participate in sports at school and do everything. And yet they get a pill from a friend at school,” Dr. Varney said.

Dr. Edward Lazaga gives his thoughts on why we're hearing more about drugs being laced with fentanyl.

“I think part of the reason is to develop a low grade addiction. So they'll go back to their other dealer to get their quote unquote, good stuff,” Dr. Lazaga said.

The bottom line from every official we spoke with is if you see something say something. CLICK HERE to see the free resources SACADA has that is available for anyone is able to use.