An 18-month-old toddler, Azana Trentman, tragically lost her life after ingesting a medication meant for opioid addiction that was unknowingly left in a thrift store backpack. This heartbreaking incident, reported by the Dearborn County Sheriff’s Office, occurred in early September, marking a devastating reminder of the importance of inspecting items accessible to young children in public spaces.
Azana’s parents, Austen Trentman and Shayna Wood, were shopping at a thrift store in Dillsboro, Indiana, on September 4 when Azana began playing with a backpack from the store’s inventory. Her grandmother, Tawnya Wood, later shared on social media that at some point, the child found and consumed an unknown substance from the backpack.
Austen, realizing that Azana had ingested something, attempted to clear her mouth and induce vomiting. Initially, there was no indication that the substance was dangerous, allowing the family to continue their errands. However, upon returning home, Azana’s condition worsened, leading her parents to seek emergency medical assistance.
After days of testing, it was confirmed that Azana had ingested a fruit-flavored dissolvable suboxone pill, a medication used in treating opioid addiction. Tragically, despite intensive medical efforts, Azana passed away on September 8 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Her parents, in their grief, made the courageous decision to donate Azana’s organs, ultimately saving the lives of three individuals.
In response to the incident, Tawnya Wood expressed her devastation and concern over the presence of such a dangerous item in the donated backpack, criticizing the thrift store’s failure to inspect items thoroughly. This tragic case emphasizes the need for enhanced protocols to ensure public safety, especially for young children who may come into contact with potentially harmful substances in public venues.
A GoFundMe campaign created to support the family surpassed its goal, raising more than $19,000. Additionally, a fundraiser in Azana’s memory was held on September 14 at her parents’ favorite local thrift store, separate from the location where the incident took place.
The Dearborn County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances of Azana’s death, awaiting the final autopsy report to determine her official cause of death.
Why Choose Sunrise Recovery
Sunrise Recovery in Clarksville Indiana is committed to providing both clinical care and preventative education. Their focus on evidence-based methods, coupled with compassionate support, ensures that individuals and families have access to the resources they need.
Additionally, Sunrise Recovery’s Alumni Treatment Program offers ongoing support even after treatment completion, creating a network of knowledge and safety practices that can prevent accidental drug exposure.
Recap
The tragic loss of Azana Trentman highlights an alarming issue with accidental pediatric exposures to medications like Suboxone. Defined by the National Institutes of Health as a potent opioid treatment drug, buprenorphine has a therapeutic benefit for those in treatment but can be life-threatening in small doses for children.
The increase in such incidents calls for both prevention strategies and public education about medication safety. Programs like Medical Detox and Medication-Assisted Treatment are among the interventions that can offer life-saving responses and guidance to minimize risks.
Next Steps
Moving forward, caregivers, health professionals, and community leaders can work collaboratively to reduce these tragic incidents. Families are encouraged to educate themselves on medication safety, seek immediate medical care if accidental ingestion occurs, and consider safe disposal options for unused prescriptions.
Community programs and institutions like Sunrise Recovery are invaluable resources in promoting both preventative education and effective treatment.
