In an op-ed published over the weekend to FoxNews.com, my friend David Magee shared his family's heart-wrenching personal story about the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic. As a father who tragically lost his son William to an opioid overdose, his words echo the pain and frustration felt by countless families across the United States.

This past weekend I had the privilege of visiting the campus of Ole Miss and spending time with campus and civic leaders who are working to curb the drug poisoning and overdose epidemic in Mississippi.

As students across the country return to classrooms and campuses, there is a critical issue that demands their attention: the rise of fentanyl and the dangers of synthetic opioids. While high school and college are often associated with new experiences and opportunities, it is also a time when young adults can be exposed to various risks, including substance abuse and deadly poisonings. In recent years, the emergence of synthetic opioids – particularly fentanyl – has added a new and deadly dimension to the already complex landscape of drug use among students.