Follow these steps to take action! (Read the full pledge in the PDF below)

Ask: Ask your child’s doctor about the risks associated with opioids and other prescription drugs, and if non-opioid pain management alternatives could be right for your child. If you’re worried that your child may be misusing drugs, contact a trusted resource at their school to ask for support.

Communicate: Communication is key to all aspects of your relationship with your child, especially as your child becomes a teen and starts to rely more on their friends for social support. Ask them who they spend time with and what is happening on their social media.

Talk: Talk to your child about the dangers of prescription medications. Emphasize that just because these medications are prescribed by a doctor, does not mean they are harmless! Never share medications, take more than prescribed, or mix with alcohol and other drugs.

Know: Know what medications your child is using. Know how to recognize the signs of drug use and overdose.

Monitor: Monitor the household medications in your home, keeping prescription medications locked up to help keep your family safe. Set clear rules about all medications — even though your child may be capable of self-administering over-the-counter medications, use of drugs like opioids, stimulants, and other prescription drugs should be closely supervised by an adult. When a prescription is no longer needed, dispose of any unused medications using a drug deactivation pouch or at any drug drop box location. Click here to find a local drug drop box location near you. (Even though alcohol and marijuana are legal, adults that have these drugs in their home should always safely store them and keep them away from children.)

Narcan: In case of an opioid overdose, Narcan can reverse the effects of the overdose. Fentanyl is a manufactured opioid that is many times stronger and more dangerous than even morphine or heroin, and recently, lab analysis of confiscated & recovered drugs across NYC has revealed that fentanyl is present in all types of drugs. By learning how to use Narcan and carrying Narcan with you at all times, you can be prepared to save a life in case of an overdose.