Monterey Peninsula Unified School District warns parents about dangerous rainbow fentanyl

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV)- On Tuesday, the DEA announced it removed 36 million lethal doses of fentanyl across the country between May and September.

The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District is warning parents to be alert for fentanyl. MPUSD said the state alerted school leaders about the concerning trend of opioid overdoses.

Michelle Hamilton lost her 19-years-old son Tyler to fentanyl. She described him as a funny, great, and smart kid who was a best friend to everyone. 

It’s been five months since he passed away, but the pain still feels fresh.

“I don't want this pain for any other mother,” said Hamilton. “I cry every morning, and when I wake up, I realize he's gone. I cry every night. I cried throughout the day. My life 

Hamilton wants to warn parents about the dangers of fentanyl so that they don't have to go through the same loss.

“I feel like screaming at the top of my lungs,” said Hamilton. “Please, please pay attention. Educate yourself.”

Data from the California Department of Public Health show in 2018, there were 36 fentanyl-related deaths for kids ages 10-19. In 2020, there were 261 fentanyl-related deaths.

Schools in the LA Unified School District will soon have Narcan stocked on their campus after a student overdosed a few weeks ago.

The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District has already had the life-saving antidote at its schools. but is looking to take it a step further. 

“We're looking to do more Narcan,” said David Diehl, the Coordinator of Student Support Services at MPUSD, “and do it where teachers can carry it on lanyards and have it available throughout the campus if need be.”

Back in July, the Monterey Police Department warned the community of rainbow fentanyl. The department told KION it continues to follow up on leads, especially when it comes to fentanyl.

“What's important to remember is that while fentanyl is a legit drug that is used by doctors,” said Detective Sgt. Greg Galin with Monterey Police Department, “there's always a synthetic version that's being manufactured in clandestine labs all over the place.”

But Hamilton still worries that rainbow fentanyl can still land in the hands of kids and teenagers.

The Monterey Police Department said officers carry Narcan on them, and it's something Michelle now does herself.

Rainbow fentanyl was first reported to the DEA back in February. Since then, the DEA said it seized the deadly drug in 21 states.