Student Assistance Services News

On November 1, LCPS Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence shared a detailed message with the LCPS community encouraging parents to talk with their students about substance use in general and the risks of Fentanyl in particular. His message contained educational and support resources, all of which can be found on the Student Mental Health Services Substance Use Resources page. In this article, we answer common questions about how Student Assistance Services works to protect and support our students.

Q: What education do students receive about Fentanyl?

A: Students receive education on Fentanyl and other opioids during Health & PE presentations in 6th, 8th and 9th grades. Twelfth-grade students also receive this education as part of their high school transition education. Seventh, 10th and 11th-grade presentations are available and optional at the school principal's discretion. Advisory lessons focused on substance use, including Fentanyl, will also be offered at each school. Student Assistance Specialists partner with their respective schools to plan additional opportunities, including assemblies, student-led campaigns, and classroom circles or presentations.

Q: What supports are available to students who have questions or are concerned about themselves or a loved one?

A: Student Assistance Specialists provide individual and group counseling to students in need of support. They also meet individually with students who have questions or need additional education.

Q: How can students access education or support from the Student Assistance Specialist?

A: A list of each school's assigned Student Assistance Specialist can be found on the Student Assistance Services website. Students or their parents can email their SAS directly or speak with teachers or counselors to request that they connect them with the SAS.

Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is an over-the-counter medicine that reverses opioid overdoses. It works by temporarily blocking the effects of opioids and helps the person to breathe again. It is easily and safely administered via a nasal spray. Naloxone is safe to be given in the case of a suspected overdose, even if it is unclear whether opioids are the cause, as it will not harm someone if they have not taken opioids. Lay rescuer training is available for free through REVIVE! Virginia program.

All School Nurses and School Resource Officers are trained and carry Naloxone. Student Assistance Specialists, School Administrators and Safety and Security staff are also trained and approved to carry Naloxone. The school nurse immediately addresses any suspected incident of substance use impairment or overdose. Safety staff, building Administrators and the Student Assistance Specialists are notified.

DEA Fentanyl Awareness page DEA page on Fentanyl Awareness containing educational resources

Song for Charlie A national family-run nonprofit charity dedicated to raising awareness about ‘fentapills’ — fake pills made of fentanyl. This page contains a variety of resources for parents, children and teens.

Talk. They Hear you. SAMHSA’s national substance use prevention campaign helps parents and caregivers, educators, and community members get informed, be prepared, and take action.

Talk. They Hear You Mobile App - "helps parents and caregivers prepare for some of the most important conversations they may ever have with their kids. It shows them how to turn everyday situations into opportunities to talk with their children about alcohol and other drugs, and equips them with the necessary skills, confidence, and knowledge to start and continue these conversations as their kids get older."

Prescription for Disaster: How teens abuse medicine - This guide from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) gives detailed information about teen medicine abuse, including over-the-counter and prescription medicine abuse. It also gives tips for parents on strategies for discussing and preventing medicine abuse with children and teens.

Safe Storage and Safe Disposal Educational Videos | CADCA

LCPS Parent/Student Substance Use information

LCPS Alcohol Information

LCPS Drug Information

LCPS Tobacco and E-Cig Information

Information for Parents and Educators — Science-based information about drug use, health and the developing brain (National Institute on Drug Abuse)

REVIVE naloxone training - Free training to administer naloxone in the event of opioid overdose

Tobacco and Nicotine education, advocacy and cessation resources

Drug Fact Sheets — Drug-specific information, pill identifiers, social media trends (DEA)

Get Smart About Drugs - Drug prevention website from the DEA with resources for parents

Addiction Policy Forum — Provides educational videos and articles

Start Talking Now — Education and tips for parents on talking to their children about substance use

Families Against Narcotics — Resources for families

Partnership to End Addiction — Online Support Community for parents/caregivers

Virginia Al-Anon, Loudoun District — Support for family members of someone struggling with addiction (Zoom meetings)

Find an Al-Anon Meeting — Support for children of parents struggling with addiction, (Zoom meetings)

Al-Anon Family Groups — Find online Alateen meetings

Addiction Policy Forum — Help finding and navigating the treatment experience

FindTreatment.gov — Find a treatment center — 1-800-662-HELP (4357) TTY: 1-800-487-4889

Substance Abuse and Mental Heath Services Administration National Helpline

Smart Recovery — Online Recovery Community: Self-Management and Recovery Training

Recovery Dharma — Using Buddhist practices and principles to recover from addiction, virtual meetings available

Narcotics Anonymous — Virtual Narcotics Anonymous meetings

Northern Virginia Intergroup — Virtual Alcoholics Anonymous meetings

LCPS School Based Mental Health Services — LCPS listing of community treatment providers

Student Assistance Specialists (SASs) have mental health and substance use expertise. They have Master’s degrees in Social Work or Counseling, and most are licensed by the Virginia Department of Health Professions as Clinical Social Workers, Professional Counselors or Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioners. As Unified Mental Health Team members, Student Assistance Specialists support LCPS initiatives that promote student connectedness, enhance student resilience and educate about mental health and substance use issues. We provide educational presentations for students and parents, restorative practices, individualized and group support, referral services, coordination with providers, staff development and consultation with parents and staff.

To find your school's SAS assignment, visit our website.

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