New state findings show an increase in child overdoses and urge parents to secure drugs properly.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Kentucky is seeing a troubling surge in cases of children overdosing or ingesting unsafe substances.
New data from the annual report issued by the Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel shows children across the state are consuming dangerous drugs at an alarming rate.
“The public just is not aware of how potentially dangerous these substances are if they fall into the hands of young children,” said panelist and child abuse pediatrician Dr. Melissa Currie.
According to the report, researchers documented 98 cases in 2024 where children either died or nearly died after ingesting drugs. In comparison, that number stood at 29 in 2019.
Substances containing THC or cannabis account for the highest number of cases, with fentanyl ranking second.
“The edibles are appealing to children for the same reasons they’re appealing to adults. You know, they’re sweet, they taste good, they’re often in fun shapes,” Dr. Currie said. “Oftentimes, the packaging mimics the packaging of popular candies.”
In 2024, 11 Kentucky children died after ingesting drugs. The report does not specify which substances were responsible for those deaths. As concerns grow, officials are asking how to address the crisis.
Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates, said his organization continues working to improve child safety statewide.
“The good news is common sense parenting, some tougher laws on the books when this happens and a general awareness of everybody from preachers to principals to pediatricians, we think can turn the tide,” Brooks said.
State leaders are now working to raise awareness among parents and strengthen legislation.
One proposal, Senate Bill 204, aims to increase penalties for parents if a child under 13 ingests or inhales a controlled substance and suffers serious physical injury. The bill would also require certain professionals to receive education on pediatric ingestion or inhalation of controlled substances.
Experts emphasize that the most effective prevention method is ensuring adults store potentially dangerous drugs in locked containers.
“Folks know to keep the drain cleaner and the bleach up and out of reach of children. But the reality is, we don’t see those ingestions. We’re seeing ingestions of these illicit substances,” Dr. Currie said.
Officials remind parents that lock boxes are available at pediatricians’ offices and public health departments throughout the state.
Leave a Comment