Hilton High School partnered with local first responders to deliver a comprehensive fentanyl overdose awareness training program. The initiative featured personal stories, a realistic simulation, and a stark warning about the dangers of the drug, aiming to educate students about the risks of fentanyl and provide resources for those struggling with substance abuse.

Shifting Landscape of Adolescent Substance Abuse

The landscape of adolescent substance abuse has dramatically shifted, prompting a proactive response from first responders and educators in Hilton, New York. David Maggio, Chief of the Hilton Fire Department, noted a change from past concerns about alcohol and marijuana to the current, more potent threat of fentanyl.

Alarming Rise in Fentanyl Overdoses

Maggio reported that the Hilton Fire Department responds to three to four overdoses every couple of weeks within the community, highlighting the drug’s alarming accessibility. This prompted a collaborative effort between the Hilton Fire Department, Hilton High School, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to implement the HERO (heroin, education, reduction of opioids) training program – a pioneering initiative for the school district.

Personal Stories of Impact

The HERO training included a deeply emotional and impactful experience for students. Michael Tandoi, host of the ‘Built from Chaos’ podcast, shared his harrowing journey of overcoming addiction, offering a raw and honest account of his struggles.

A Mother's Loss

Laurie Dillenbeck, a mother who tragically lost her 22-year-old daughter, Jayden, to a fentanyl overdose in 2022, also spoke to the students. She emphasized the insidious nature of fentanyl, explaining how it is increasingly being mixed into other drugs – marijuana, cocaine, and even vapes – often without the user’s knowledge. Dillenbeck dedicates herself to reaching students, hoping to prevent others from experiencing the same devastating loss.

Realistic Overdose Simulation

The program’s most visceral component was a staged performance depicting a fatal fentanyl overdose. Emma Englert portrayed a distraught mother discovering her son, played by Cooper Streb, unresponsive in bed. The scene culminated in a realistic simulation of emergency responders attempting resuscitation, ultimately conveying the grim outcome – the loss of a young life.

Student Commitment to Prevention

Both Englert and Streb spoke of their commitment to influencing their peers positively. Englert emphasized that healthy fun doesn’t require risky behavior, while Streb stated the goal was to save even one life, acknowledging the prevalence of substance abuse and the importance of seeking help.

Resources and Support

The message throughout the training was clear: support systems are available for those struggling with substance abuse or suicidal thoughts, and emergency medical services are always ready to respond. Other incidents in the region included a traffic accident in Ontario County, a teen suffering third-degree burns, potential plans for a new store, and the evacuation of a home due to hazardous chemicals.