A Message from the MCPS School System Medical Officer

February 14, 2023

Dear MCPS Community,

On Saturday, Jan. 28, more than 1,500 people participated in the Family Forum on Fentanyl at Clarksburg High School. Students, family members and staff were concerned and motivated to keep our youth and communities safe from the dangers of illicit fentanyl.

Along with community partners, Montgomery Goes Purple and the Downcounty Consortium are hosting a second Family Forum on Fentanyl at Northwood High School on Saturday, Feb. 25. Families and community members will hear from an expert panel, including representatives from the county health department and the Montgomery County Police Department. School leaders will answer questions about school safety procedures and the health education curriculum. To make time for individual questions, breakout sessions will be held for students and family members/staff, including a Spanish-language session.

To reduce the impact of illicit fentanyl on our young people, we must work together and approach the problem at many levels. Our districtwide forums provide expertise and resources to our students, staff and families, and create spaces for active conversation. Students, parents/caregivers, staff and school leaders are also working together to understand what health and safety actions are most important for their communities and how to implement them. 

We look forward to continuing this important work together.

Sincerely,

Patricia Kapunan, M.D., M.P.H.
MCPS Medical Officer

https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/medical-officer/ 

Link to flier: https://twitter.com/MCPS/status/1623837902953402368/photo/1