Free Screening: "Fentanyl High" March 6 (followed by health panel)

Dear community members, 

Amid rising concerns among families, health providers, and educators, we are partnering with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and SafeRx Santa Cruz County to present an event featuring the film “Fentanyl High,” a powerful documentary produced by Kyle Santoro, a recent graduate of Los Gatos High School.

The documentary will be screened for free at the Cinelux Cinema in Capitola from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, March 6. The screening will be followed by a panel featuring public health experts and a parent personally impacted by the devastation of fentanyl poisoning.

“Fentanyl High” delves into the opioid crisis, offering an intimate exploration of its complexities through the perspectives and firsthand experiences of high school students, as captured in candid interviews. Families, caregivers, middle and high school students, and community members will leave the event with concrete steps for both prevention and support around this issue.

Join collective community efforts to address opioid overdose prevention and accidental poisoning. Learn how social media plays a substantial role in students buying drugs, which are often counterfeit and unsafe. Attendees will receive “Let’s Talk” booklets, a toolkit offering helpful suggestions for having difficult conversations around substance use and strategies for healthy coping skills. In addition, families will receive tip sheets identifying the signs of an overdose. Community partners will be distributing free Naloxone (Narcan), a life-saving medication, after the screening, along with training on how to administer.

Resource distribution and an audience Q & A with local experts following the screening.

We understand the subject matter is difficult and mental health counselors will be onsite and offering support, anytime throughout the event.

Admission is free, but registration is required, and space is limited. Attendance by teens, ideally with their families, is encouraged. Register here: https://sccoe.link/FH-Capitola. 

This event is presented by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, Santa Cruz City Schools and CineLux Theatres in partnership with LC2 productions, Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, SafeRx Santa Cruz County, Janus of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County Health Centers, Encompass Community Services and the Santa Cruz County Department of Public Health.