The State Child Death Review Board’s latest report shows a concerning rise in drug-related deaths among Kansas children aged 0-17, with 16 fatalities in 2022 compared to 11 in 2021, primarily linked to fentanyl. This increase mirrors a national trend, as the CDC reported over 107,000 overdose deaths across all ages in 2022.

Synthetic opioids, especially fentanyl, are a growing threat. Although prescribed legally, fentanyl is also illicitly produced and mixed into counterfeit pills, often without users’ knowledge. Between 2019 and 2022, ten Kansas children under age 4 died from drug exposure, most involving unsecured drugs. For teens, fentanyl-laced pills pose significant risks, with 69% of drug-related deaths affecting ages 15-17.

In total, Kansas recorded 389 child deaths in 2022, up from 349 in 2021. The board’s multi-agency team uses these findings to recommend public policy changes and offer prevention tips to families, aiming to reduce these preventable deaths.

You can find the full report on the attorney general’s website.