One pill can be much more deadly than it used to be, and the impact is becoming apparent to officials as the death toll among adolescents continues to climb.
According to the latest nationwide data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overdose deaths among adolescents ages 10 to 19 increased by 109% from 2019 to 2021, while adolescent deaths involving illicit fentanyl increased by 182%. It only takes a small amount of fentanyl to be deadly, with about 2 mg considered a lethal dose.
If you suspect a child is drug-endangered, contact 1-877-866-6384, or to report suspected child abuse and neglect, contact the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services at 1-877-237-0004. In case of an emergency or life-threatening situation, call 911.
