San Antonio, TX (April 2, 2025) – Rise Inspire Academy proudly hosted the F.E.A.R.less (Fentanyl Education Awareness & Recovery) Information Summit on March 26, 2025, bringing together students, families, and community leaders in a powerful stand against the growing dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills. This free event delivered critical education, prevention strategies, and recovery resources to more than 75 attendees.

The idea for the F.E.A.R.less Summit originated from a student and featured expert speakers, interactive discussions, and resource-sharing to equip attendees with the tools needed to recognize and combat substance misuse in their communities. Rise Inspire Academy is proud to see its students leading these discussions and hopes that students will continue to play a pivotal role in spreading awareness about this important message.

Key Highlights from the Summit:

• Engaging Panel Discussion: Moderated by three Rise Inspire Academy high school students, the panel featured distinguished experts addressing urgent questions, such as:
  • Why is fentanyl so dangerous compared to other substances?
  • What are the biggest myths surrounding fentanyl and substance use?
  • What signs should parents and educators watch for?
  • How can youth safely access and use Narcan in an emergency?
  • How does mental health connect to substance use and overdose risk?
• Featured Panelists Included:
  • Dr. Muhammad Chaudhary – Addiction Medicine, UT Health San Antonio
  • Addie Carlson – Statewide Educational Specialist, Crime Stoppers of Houston
  • San Antonio Fire Department Overdose Prevention Team – Providing firsthand knowledge from the frontlines of overdose response
• Community Collaboration: Attendees engaged with local organizations and experts, gaining access to vital prevention and recovery resources. In addition to education and awareness, the event highlighted Rise Recovery’s distribution of the life-saving overdose reversal drug Narcan. In 2024 alone, 310 doses were provided to those in need. Remarkably, in just the first three months of 2025, 180 doses have already been distributed, reinforcing the commitment to equipping the community with essential resources.
• Inspiration & Action: With testimonies from young people in recovery, the event reinforced the message that prevention, awareness, and support can save lives.

Rise Inspire Academy extends sincere gratitude to the partners and sponsors who helped bring the event to life:

• Rise Inspire Academy Students & Staff
• Crime Stoppers of Houston
• San Antonio Fire Department
• UT Health San Antonio
• Rise Recovery Board, Volunteers, and Team

This summit is only the beginning. The conversation around fentanyl awareness and prevention will continue, ensuring that communities remain informed with life-saving resources.

For more information about Rise Inspire Academy and future initiatives, visit www.riserecovery.org or call (210) 227-2634.

ABOUT RISE INSPIRE ACADEMY
Rise Inspire Academy is San Antonio’s only recovery high school, offering a safe, supportive, and substance-free learning environment for students in recovery. Through education, mentorship, and community engagement, RIA empowers students to build a brighter future. Learn more about their mission and services at www.riserecovery.org.