SARATOGA COUNTY — After a Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District student overdosed last month, Saratoga County school districts and the county sheriff’s department are asking families to talk to students about vaping.
“Talk to your kids about these vapes, let them know that they’re significant dangers to using these things,” said Saratoga County Sheriff's Captain Dan Morley. “Just because people sell them and they’re all over the place, doesn’t equate safety.”
The student, who was found with two altered vapes containing other drugs, was treated and responded to Naloxone following an overdose on Dec. 18, Morley said. No additional information was available on the student. But, Morley said they believe this was an isolated incident.
Morley said the sheriff’s department is investigating the origin of the vapes. He said a preliminary test found that the two vapes the student had contained other drugs rather than the typical flavored nicotine solution. One vape included an ingredient to make Fentanyl, as well as ecstasy and the prescription stimulant Vyvanse, which is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a letter sent to school families from Ballston Spa High School Principal Matthew Robinson on Monday. The other vape contained the same ingredient to make Fentanyl, as well as a common substitute for MDMA and Vyvanse, Robinson's letter said.
The sheriff’s department is waiting for the state police lab to confirm their tests.
In the meantime, Ballston Spa district spokesperson Stuart Williams said other district had provided information to their students and families about the situation as well.
“I want to strongly encourage all parents and guardians to discuss the dangers associated with vaping with your students,” Robinson said in his letter. “One of the biggest risks with vaping occurs when students share, or are given vapes. Students can never be certain where the device came from and what is in them.”
Robinson also said the district is working with The Prevention Council to offer the Teen Intervene program for any teen who may need help dealing with drug use.
Having a vape or any drugs, alcohol or related items is a violation under the Ballston Spa Student Code of Conduct, the letter states.