One Pill Can Kill - Halloween Safety Tips

This Halloween, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) are teaming up with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Watch UR BAC program to spread awareness on the fentanyl epidemic spreading across our state. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid originally developed as a pain management tool for cancer patients; it is 100x stronger than morphine and 50x stronger than heroin.

The Drug Enforcement Administration warns the public of the alarming increase in the lethality and availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. International and domestic criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills, falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills, and killing unsuspecting Texans. These counterfeit pills are easy to purchase, widely available, and often contain deadly doses of fentanyl. Pills purchased outside of a licensed pharmacy are illegal, dangerous, and potentially lethal. These risks include overdose, forming new addictions, and traffic related crashes due to impairment.

Over the Halloween holiday, it is especially important that parents stay informed on this epidemic. One of these most prevalent trends currently involves rainbow-colored pills that have been laced with fentanyl and designed to attract younger kids. “Everyone loves Halloween… it is hard to beat, fall air, costumes, and candy!” said Texas A&M AgriLife Extension FCH Agent Sarah Latham, Rains County. “Unfortunately, we as a community must be aware of the ever-present dangers related to illicit substances. This is a growing threat to our children, and it is our responsibility to protect them”. It is important for parents to understand, one pill containing fentanyl can be lethal.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Association (DEA) is urging parents to be aware of rainbow fentanyl, a deathly opioid drug traffickers are using to “drive addiction amongst kids and young adults,” DEA administrator, Anne Milgram, said in a statement. Rainbow fentanyl is a drug in the form of a pill or powder that is brightly colored to look like candy and appeal to children and young people. Rainbow fentanyl is also being produced in blocks that resemble sidewalk chalk. As a parent, make sure you prepare and are always aware. 

Ahead of Halloween, local authorities are warning parents to keep a close eye on Trick-or-Treat baskets, just two milligrams of fentanyl, equal to 10-15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose, per the DEA. Any candy-looking substance will get a lot of attention as Halloween nears, so parents should be on the lookout and kids should be reminded never to eat unpackaged candy without having parents inspect it first.

Make sure your children know, they should never accept any candy, pills, or other substances that look like they may have been altered.

Safety Tips:

If you plan to Trick-or-Treat this year, here are a few tips to help you and your kids prepare for a safe and happy Halloween.

• Only accept and eat candy wrapped in an original, sealed, and unbroken package.
• If you find an unfamiliar substance, do not touch it. Contact your local law enforcement agency. 
• Watch your surroundings and stay away from anyone acting suspicious.
• Stay in well-lit neighborhoods and do not talk to strangers.

By working together, we can save lives and help keep each other safe. Please join us in spreading this important message for the Halloween holiday, One Pill Can Kill.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me, (903) 473-4580 or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu. To view upcoming events or additional information please visit https://rains.agrilife.org/ or follow Rains County AgriLife on Facebook.

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