San Joaquin County Public Health Services (PHS) in collaboration with the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services, San Joaquin County Office of Education, and the Reinvent South Stockton Coalition, are hosting a free screening of Fentanyl High.

Told from the perspectives of real high school students and their families in Northern California, the documentary film Fentanyl High explores how teens today are dealing with their emotional pain in school and at home, and how they can get to the point of buying fake Adderall, OxyContin, Percocet, or Xanax from a stranger on social media – one pill that can kill. This documentary examines what needs to change in the community, at school, and at home to save lives.

The film screening is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Manteca Transit Center, 220 Moffat Blvd., Manteca.

The movie will be followed by a panel discussion on mental health and substance use disorder treatment resources available in San Joaquin County. Free popcorn and drinks will be provided, and participants can take home a lifesaving Narcan (naloxone) kit, used to temporarily reverse opioid overdose.

“We are hoping that this documentary opens the door for important conversations between parents and teens about mental health and drug use,” said Dr. Maggie Park, Public Health Officer with San Joaquin County Public Health Services. “Nothing is more important than keeping the lines of communication open with the young people in our lives and attending this movie with our teens can be a great opportunity to start an honest dialogue with them about hard topics.”

Ron Freitas, San Joaquin County District Attorney added that, “Fentanyl is deadly. With our ‘One Pill Can Kill’ initiative, the San Joaquin County DA’s Office is educating and engaging the community to stop this lethal threat. I encourage the public to see ‘Fentanyl High’ for a deeper understanding.”

Seating at the Manteca screening is limited; call 209-468-8584 for more information.

“The increased availability of fentanyl in our community is a danger to the children of San Joaquin County. Already, too many young people have suffered overdoses,” said Dr. Troy Brown, San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools. “We can make a difference if we all work together as organizations and individuals to raise awareness. It is important to stay informed and be willing to engage children in the conversation about the dangers of using all drugs, including fentanyl.”