Shawnee Public Schools is continuing its important work in raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl by partnering with local community organizations. In collaboration with Kickapoo Behavioral Health, the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Opioid Response team, and Gateway to Prevention & Recovery, naloxone distribution tables will be present at every home football game this season.
These tables offer life-saving resources, and a group of mothers who have tragically lost their children to fentanyl poisoning will be there to share their powerful stories, hoping to educate and help prevent future loss.
Michaela Tuberville, of the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Opioid Response team, shared why the tribe is committed to participating in this effort:
“AST is participating in naloxone distribution for several reasons: it is our job to spread awareness and education, Pottawatomie is our service area to help Native Americans experiencing addiction, and many of us here have personal experience with recovery or a loved one dealing with addiction. This is something we hold close to our hearts, and we want to spread information to help save anyone we can.”
At the football game, Tuberville noted that there was a high level of curiosity and engagement from attendees:
“Everyone was curious and wanted to know more about Narcan, deterra, and fentanyl test strips. I loved the age range of people who came to the table, wanting Narcan and learning how to use it. Even police came by to grab Narcan. It shows that this booth is impactful and gets people talking and learning.”
This initiative is a critical part of Shawnee Public Schools’ commitment to the safety and well-being of its students and the surrounding community. The district recently approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to become an official naloxone distribution site.
"We believe it’s essential to be proactive in protecting our community from the devastating impact of fentanyl. By partnering with these organizations and hearing from families directly affected, we hope to save lives and spread awareness of available resources,” said Cindy Bartley, Coordinator of Prevention Services.
Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is a life-saving medication that can rapidly reverse opioid overdoses, making it a critical tool in combating the opioid crisis.
The next Shawnee Wolves football game will be Friday, October 16 with a 7:00 pm kickoff.