A poisoning, not an overdose

Re “Teen girl’s death is latest in string of student overdoses,” Sept. 15

Referring to 15-year-old Melanie Ramos’ death as a drug overdose follows a pattern of reporting that is completely inaccurate.

The epidemic of fentanyl deaths does not typically involve overdoses. These students and countless others who buy one pill that is laced with fentanyl are dying by poisoning. These are cases of homicide, not drug overdoses.

Let us put the blame where it clearly belongs, not on the victim who may have died due to one simple mistake.

Anne Roberts Santa Monica

How can we help our kids realize the dangers of even a single use of a recreational drug that may contain fentanyl?

We need Hollywood to develop a short, realistic movie detailing the facts. It needs interviews with survivors and also parents, friends and siblings of teens killed by these drugs.

We should also pay influencers to talk briefly about the dangers of drugs. Teens need to understand they can’t tell by looking at a pill or by taking a friend’s say-so that the drug is “safe.”

Parents, teachers and police telling kids of the dangers should be limited, as kids don’t trust them. Peer support groups may be a good idea.

Obviously, what we’re doing is inadequate. Stopping the supply of fentanyl is important, but stopping the potential user from buying the product is better. Suzanne Brugman

La Habra Heights