Michael Carson

Now is the time to stop this deadly fentanyl opioid roulette.

Opioid misuse can lead to tolerance, dependence and addiction, with dire consequences.

We can not be naive and leave our youth unprepared for the game of their life.

In short, as the DEA says, “One pill can kill.”

We have to prepare our children who venture out every day with refusal skills; it’s not “if” they are offered drugs, but “when.”

We can all agree youth are worth our investment. We must band together to end this drug epidemic to ensure their successful and productive futures.

We have to work smartly as we seek solutions.

Opioid overdose deaths are trending down. But the fight is far from over.

I believe the most important component to solving social issues is realizing every Alaskan is a stakeholder.

If we treat homeless people with respect, as they deserve, we will gain their trust and they will realize we truly want to help.

Let’s stand together and act to ensure a safe and healthy Alaska.

Alaskans are known to render aid when someone they may not even know slides into the ditch.

We need to provide safe, healthy and fulfilling environments for our young people to be curious, trusting and courageous.

OPINION: The solution for ending youth homelessness is housing and employment, and young people must have support at the critical time they decide to turn their lives around and leave the streets.