Page 81 - ACTL Journal Win24

Most states have legalized and are making test strips readily available. The test strips certainly help in preventing over- doses. However, the test strips will only detect fentanyl in the tested portion of the pill, powder, or weed. A negative result does not necessarily “clear” the remaining untested product. The illegal labs used to press the fake pills cannot and do not attempt to uniformly distribute the fentanyl. As a case in point, Thomas’ two friends fortunately sur- vived ingesting the fake “Percocet” without any noticeable adverse effects from the fentanyl. Only Thomas ingested a lethal dose.
A NEW WORLD ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES
College offers students the chance to experiment, ask ques- tions, and push their limits as they discover themselves and chart their paths. For many students, this includes exper- imenting with alcohol, drugs, and weed, if they have not started before arriving on campus. College drug users fall into three broad groups: infrequent recreational users, fre- quent abusers, and users with addiction tendencies. Histor- ically, the final group has faced the most serious, long-term impact from repeated exposure to drugs and alcohol.
Fentanyl is a game changer. Fentanyl does not discrimi- nate between the three groups. Whether a first-time ex- perimental cocaine user or a hard-core Xanax abuser with addiction problems, a dose of fentanyl can lead to the same result – death.
ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM
Following the tragic death of their son from an accidental drug overdose, David and Kent Magee led the creation and opening of the William Magee Institute for Student Wellbeing at the University of Mississippi in 2019. The Institute transforms lives and communities by supporting students at all levels as they develop resiliency and maxi- mize their potential through holistic wellbeing. In short, the Magee Institute recognizes that students of all ages deal with mental health issues of varying types and degrees, seeks to shine a light on this reality, and works to develop programs and resources to assist and empower students.
After Thomas’ death, Caroline and I selected the Magee Center as a recipient of memorials. We were overwhelmed by the response and worked with David and others at the Magee Institute to create the Thomas Hayes Mayo Lab (themayolab.com) in the fall of 2022. Focused on chang- ing the conversation around student mental health and substance misuse, the Mayo Lab dropped its first eight podcast episodes this spring. The Lab is currently devel- oping age-appropriate educational curricula for use at all levels from grade school to college.
Caroline and I cannot bring Thomas back to life. But we will use his story to help others avoid the mistake he made and to stem the misguided effort to find happiness through the misuse of drugs and alcohol. There is a better way.
Cal Mayo Oxford, MI
The late Thomas Mayo is being remembered through a new initiative at the University of Mississippi. Making a gift to the Thomas Hayes Mayo Lab Endowment are alumni and active members of Kappa Alpha frater- nity. Parents Cal and Caroline Mayo, front row, are joined by KA alumni and actives. The KSs made a gift of $35,000 to the Mayo Initiative.
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