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Kern High School District looks to take action following fentanyl overdoses at North High School

Kern High School District
Posted at 4:15 PM, Sep 26, 2022
and last updated 2022-09-27 09:28:50-04

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — The Kern High School District is looking to take action after the several recent fentanyl overdoses at North High School.

District officials recently released a statement outlining their strategy for addressing the issue and to keep students safe.

"According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard, fentanyl-related overdose deaths in California’s youth ages 10-19 years increased from 2018 (36 total) to 2020 (261 total), a 625 percent increase."

In Kern County, there were 139 fentanyl overdose deaths in 2020. That number jumped to 232 in 2021. And as of July 6, 2022, there have been 83 fentanyl overdoses with several of those in Kern County school districts.

When asked about the overdoses at North High School, the KHSD responded with the following statement: "Regarding recent issues at North High School, its principal has been addressing parents' concerns regarding opioid use on campus, and an investigation is being conducted. The District cannot provide confidential medical and disciplinary information about specific instances due to privacy issues."