How education and prevention are helping Yuma County avoid fentanyl deaths
Andrea Turisk
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY)- The fentanyl crisis continues to claim young lives across Arizona.
According to a new state report, fentanyl was involved in more than three out of four drug-related deaths among children and young adults in 2023.
The Arizona Child Fatality Review reports fentanyl was involved in 76% of drug-related youth deaths across the state last year.
However, here in Yuma County, the Department of Public Health says they haven’t recorded a single overdose death in over a year.
Ryan Butcher, YCHD PR and Community Engagement Coordinator say, “2020 is when we had the highest amount of drug overdose deaths in our youth, but we’ve been decreasing every year since. I’m happy to say in 2023 and 2024 there were zero overdose deaths in our youth.”
The state report adds nearly half of fentanyl related deaths among youth occur in teens aged 15-17. A number that has some teachers in Yuma concerned.
Jennifer Florey, a teacher in Yuma, says, “Being nervous for my students and have them be aware of what it is and what to watch out for.”
In Yuma, outreach efforts are focusing on educating the public about this deadly drug.
“We really been able to spread awareness of the dangers of fentanyl, the access to resources and really getting those resources our to the parents and keeping them informed the best that we can,” says Butcher.
While Yuma hasn’t seen the same surge in overdoses as other parts of Arizona. Officials say its a reminder the continued awareness and education is important to keep our youth safe.