Public News Service, by Brett Peveto
Experts are emphasizing the safety of medications for children in Kentucky during June, which is National Safety Month.
Pediatric overdose and ingestion cases have steadily increased in Kentucky in recent years; according to data, the number of instances doubled between 2019 and 2023. During the same time period, the state saw a threefold increase in the number of fatal pediatric ingesting cases, with 80% of those instances thought to be possibly preventable.
Safe storage is crucial, according to Dr. Jennie Green, a pediatrician specializing in child abuse who works in the University of Kentucky’s Division of Pediatric Forensic Medicine.
ensuring the safe storage of the available drugs, Green stated. Usually, it means keeping things out of reach, but ideally in a locked, stored place as well. Therefore, the best option is to consider prescription lock bags or lockboxes.
She emphasized to parents that being kid resistive does not equate to being childproof.
More than half of overdose and ingestion cases had opiate exposure, according to the 2024 Kentucky Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Panel. In order to prevent or reverse the effects of opioids, including fentanyl, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises families that use opioids, whether prescription or not, to keep Narcan, a nasal spray, on hand.
Narcan is safe for everyone, according to Green.
Giving a youngster a full dose of Narcan won’t hurt them, according to Green. It’s actually life-saving. Additionally, many of the children who wind up in the hospital after overdosing on opioids require several Narcan doses. Therefore, a single dose of Narcan can save their lives yet won’t harm them.
To find out how many pills may have been consumed, experts suggested keeping track of all the drugs in the house, including how many were left. Inquisitive children may also examine guests’ handbags or luggage, and it is advised to find out whether they are carrying any medications.
According to Shannon Moody, a spokeswoman of the Face It Movement and chief policy and strategy officer for Kentucky Youth Advocates, it’s critical to consider the time that kids spend away from home.
According to Moody, if your child is staying with a relative, such as a grandparent or friend, ask them to make sure that their prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or any other substances that a child might get into are securely stored in a location that is out of reach of them.
Additionally, parents are advised to post the poison control number on the refrigerator and save it to their phone. It is 800-222-1222.