LAKEWOOD, Colo. — A student at Alameda International High School in Lakewood died last week from an accidental fentanyl overdose, according to a letter sent to parents by the school principal.
The letter references the death of 16-year-old Kimberly Jimenez Figueroa, which occurred during the district's spring break. Police said it happened at a home in Lakewood on March 21.
"We have learned that Kimberly died from an accidental drug overdose laced with fentanyl," principal Susie Van Scoyk wrote in the letter.
Van Scoyk said Kimberly's family gave permission for the school to share information about her death "in an effort to help others who may be struggling."
A Gofundme related to Kimberly's death has been created, however, 9NEWS has not independently confirmed its veracity.
The letter encouraged families, educators and others to have "open and non-judgmental conversations" about the realities of substance use and misuse.
The letter recommended Twelve Talks to Have with Teens as a resource to help adults talk with teens about a variety of difficult topics they are facing.
Other resources include:
- Jefferson Center for Mental Health: 303-425-0300
- JCMH Walk-In Crisis Center: 4643 Wadsworth Blvd, Wheat Ridge
- Colorado Crisis Services: call 1-844-493-TALK (8255), or text TALK to 38255
- Safe2Tell: 1-877-542-7233
Due to the ongoing investigation, Lakewood police did not release any more details about the case.
SUICIDE & MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support for those in crisis 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.
There are four ways to get confidential and immediate help: by phone at 1-844-493-8255, over text message (text the word “TALK” to 38255), via an online chat service, or at walk-in centers throughout metro Denver, northern, the southeast region and the western slope. Many of these services are available 24/7.
Trained counselors are available to help with relationship problems, depression, bullying, stress, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, family crisis and more.
This advocacy organization hosts a variety of online mental health screening in both English and Spanish, a mental health toolkit for schools, a page dedicated to the latest mental health research, as well as a variety of events throughout the year.
Using this link, you can find the community mental health center nearest to you. All of the centers accept Medicaid and most have sliding payment options for those who do not have insurance.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESOURCES
Find meetings throughout Colorado as well as information about the program and other services and events put on by AA.
A division of UCHealth, CeDAR offers 30- to 120-day residential treatment programs, outpatient treatment programs, medically-supervised detox programs, and recovery management.
The Substance Abuse Treatment, Education and Prevention Program was established specifically to help teens and young adults from 11 to 24 years of age. It offers a 12-week outpatient program on the campus of Denver Health and in several Denver Public Schools.
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