PORTLAND, Ore. — The state of Oregon has released curriculum to schools to raise awareness of the dangers of synthetic opioids, like fentanyl.
Lesson plans will better inform students of the dangers of opioids and can delay students' use of drugs, state officials said. Delays in drug use can prevent or interrupt the development of substance abuse issues.
With increased education and dialogue, state officials believe they can better raise awareness of drug issues, and better connect with schools' prevention efforts.
In a press release, Gov. Tina Kotek said the "dangers of fentanyl have no age boundaries."
Over the past couple years, lawmakers have pumped more money into drug prevention curriculum, after calls from advocates that there's not enough support for teens grappling with drug addiction.
Along with lesson planning, state funding is intended to help schools create better policies to prevent and respond to overdoses. Oregon schools also have access to naloxone, which can reverse an opioid overdose.