Yuma, Arizona (Keema, Keese) – The fentanyl crisis continues to claim young lives in Arizona.

According to a new state report, fentanyl was involved in more than four drug-related deaths between children and young adults in 2023.

A fatal review of children in Arizona reports that fentanyl was involved in 76% of drug-related youth deaths throughout the state last year.

But here in Yuma County, the Department of Public Health says it has not recorded overdose deaths for more than a year.

Ryan Butcher, YCHD PR, and Community Engagement Coordinator said, “2020 was when the most drug overdose deaths among young people, but it has since declined every year. In 2023 and 2024, young people had zero overdose deaths.”

The state report adds nearly half of fentanyl-related deaths among teenagers aged 15-17. The numbers are Yuma with several teachers.

Yuma’s teacher Jennifer Florey says, “Be nervous with your students and let them know what it is and what to look out for.”

At Yuma, efforts focused on educating the public about this deadly drug are striving.

“We were able to really spread the dangers of fentanyl, access to resources and actually get those resources to our parents and keep telling them everything we can,” Butcher says.

Yuma hasn’t seen the same surge in overdose as elsewhere in Arizona. Officials say it is a reminder that continuing awareness and education is important to keep young people safe.