Fentanyl Crisis Hits Home in Dana Point, California
In the picturesque town of Dana Point, California, a dark shadow looms as the fentanyl crisis continues to wreak havoc on the lives of young people. Mike Darnold, an 80-year-old former police officer with a heart for helping kids, has found himself on the frontlines of this battle, witnessing firsthand the pain and loss that come with drug overdoses.
Darnold, who has spent the last sixteen years working at Dana Hills High School, is on a mission to save students from the grips of substance abuse. But with the arrival of fentanyl as a deadly substance frequently masquerading as common pills, Darnold’s work has morphed from educational programs to life-and-death interventions.
Heartbreaking Reality of Fentanyl
Before 2020, drug-related deaths in teens at Dana Hills high were almost unheard of. However, five young lives have been lost to overdoses in just four years, each one of them leaving a gaping hole in their communities. Imagine a bubbly cheerleader or a promising freshman football player never getting the chance to grow up. It’s gut-wrenching.
Entering this grim picture is 15-year-old Eddie Baeder, who met Darnold just last fall. Eddie, like many teens today, was caught in a whirlwind of grief and substance abuse. Losing his birth mother and a close friend to suicide, he turned to drugs and alcohol as a way to escape his pain. He says, “I was just looking for the next high,” and it was a vicious cycle that threatened to spiral further out of control.
Turning Point
Thanks to Darnold’s extensive experience and dedication, Eddie started to find a way out of darkness. He became one of many students in Darnold’s programs that provide healthier alternatives to drug use, including beach parties and volunteering events. Darnold firmly believes that teens need more options for positive experiences to fill their lives.
“I’m like the glue that brings it all together,” says Darnold. “It’s a good feeling to go to bed tired, because I’ve accomplished something.” His drive comes not just from his mission to intervene but also as someone who once faced his battles with addiction—a journey he has been sober from for 44 years.
The Numbers Tell a Disturbing Story
Across Orange County, the statistics echo Darnold’s observations. In 2019, fewer than six opioid deaths were logged among youth aged 15-19. By 2021, that number skyrocketed to 33—with the reality cruelly climbing even higher since then. It’s heartbreaking to think that an average of 22 high school-aged teens lost their lives to overdoses each week in 2022, according to a recent study.
Why the sudden rise? Experts point to a combination of wealth and proximity to the Mexico border, where most of the fentanyl is sourced. Many teens aren’t seeking out fentanyl directly; instead, they might think they’re taking something as innocent as a painkiller, only to find out that the pills were laced with poison. Darnold stresses that these deaths are often accidental, saying, “These aren’t addicts that are dying. These are kids that are dying because they tried one thing one time.”
From Tragedy to Activism
You might think that Eddie could just be another statistic, but he found himself in the care of Darnold and the guidance of caring adults at Alcoholics Anonymous. After a close call where he nearly overdosed, he committed to sobriety—an achievement made possible with the support he received.
Then there’s Amy Neville, a mother who faced the inevitable when her son Alex died from a fentanyl overdose while he was still trying to figure out life. Grief-stricken, she’s turned that pain into purpose, helping to educate students about the dangers of counterfeit pills. Her heartfelt message echoes in high schools around the country as she shares her story, hoping to prevent another family from experiencing her pain.
Community Efforts and Ongoing Challenges
With the common motto, “a tired kid is a good kid,” community efforts are ramping up. Darnold is deep into organizing programs like the SOS club—short for Save Our Students—which creates a safe space for kids to gather without the temptation of substance abuse. What started as a response to tragic loss has evolved into a proactive measure to keep kids engaged and off drugs.
But the fentanyl crisis is far from over. Schools across the nation are being urged to step up their efforts in drug prevention, and more parents are realizing the importance of understanding and talking openly with their kids about drug use. Darnold urges that the solution lies well beyond drug seizures or anti-drug campaigns; it’s about addressing the real need for emotional coping mechanisms in young people, providing fulfilling outlets instead.
As Dana Hills High continues its journey in this fight, the community remains hopeful. Darnold’s commitment shines bright as he spreads awareness and compassion. In a world where fentanyl is becoming a tragic reality, his work offers a glimpse of light, highlighting the queasy truth: young lives matter, and we must come together to protect them.
