As we head towards the new year, I once again encourage parents to engage in meaningful conversations with their children about the dangers that result from using fentanyl. While there are many effective strategies for prevention, one of the best resources we have in this fight is encouraging and empowering parents to provide helpful information, to set clear expectations and to assist their children in developing the coping skills needed to have a healthy, safe and drug-free adolescence.

In this insightful Zen Parenting Radio podcast, “Fentanyl – What You Need to Know,” hosts Cathy and Todd Adams engage in a conversation with Patrice Lenowitz, who is the executive director of The Nurtured Parent, as well as a domestic abuse survivor, victims’ rights advocate, activist, and mother, whose son, Max, tragically died of fentanyl poisoning in 2022. Patrice has made it her mission to raise awareness of fentanyl poisoning through legislation and education and to educate parents on why and how kids can be exposed. Following Max’s death, Patrice worked with the New Jersey legislature to designate July 14 as “Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Day.”

The podcast provides parents with important information, covering a number of important topics such as:

• The harmful and deadly effects of fentanyl
• Knowing the signs of drug use
• How to communicate with your child about this issue
• The impact of social media
• The need for community involvement
• Addressing the stigma associated with substance use disorders

Schools, faith-based groups and other community organizations can schedule PDFNJ’s 15 Minute Child Break Presentation, a free multi-media program covering the latest drug trends and providing parents with effective strategies to communicate with their kids about underage drinking, marijuana, vaping and prescription medications.