Narcan is used to treat suspected opioid overdoses. Photo: VCU Capital News Service

PARK CITY, Utah — On Sept. 25 at 6 p.m., Senior Park City Police Officer Kacey Comer will discuss the effects of different drugs and how to tell if someone is using them. The event will take place at the Blair Education Center at Park City Hospital, 900 Round Valley Drive. This presentation addresses parents and guardians of kids of all ages in Summit and Wasatch County. The presentation will include live Spanish interpretation.

Local drug trends

Several drugs are being abused in our counties by minors as well as by adults. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents start talking to their kids at age nine about drugs and alcohol.

This event is presented in partnership with the Summit County Health Department, Intermountain Health, the Park City Police Department, the Salt Lake City Metro Narcotics Task Force, and the Winter Sports School.

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The 2023 SHARP Survey, which is administered every two years to students in 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grades who opt-in, showed a 5% increase in the use of marijuana from 6th to 8th grade and a 20% increase from 10th to 12th grade. Nicotine use for students in 6^th, 8^th, and 10^th grade is within 1% of state averages, but from 10^th grade to 12^th grade, nicotine use seems to double. In this survey, alcohol is a drug since it is illegal for these students. Here, use within the previous 30 days for Summit County came to 6.7% for 8th graders, 11.2% for 10th graders, and 38.7% for 12th graders.

Prepare for emergencies

It is never too late to learn what is happening in our community and our kids’ environment. The presentation will last one hour and 15 minutes, with a Q&A. The Health Department will also have a short presentation on how to use Narcan, the brand name for naloxone. Narcan is a medicine that can save someone from a heroin, fentanyl, or prescription opioid overdose. Attendees will receive some if they are interested.