Opioids in Schools: K-12 Requirements and Programming By: Matt Shafer, Policy Analyst, and Jay Phillips, Intern The misuse of and addiction to opioids—including prescription pain relievers, heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl—is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. Schools play a vital role in intervention following the death of a loved one or management of addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse collected data regarding the use of drugs by eighth, 10th, and 12th graders. Below shows the data collected in percentages: The data showed that the percent of eighth graders using heroin was 0.30 percent, OxyContin was 0.80 percent, and Vicodin was 0.70 percent; 0.20 percent of 10th graders used heroin, 2.2 percent used OxyContin, 1.5 percent used Vicodin. The numbers for 12th grade, respectively, were 0.40 percent, 2.7 percent, 2 percent, as well as 4.2 percent using narcotics other than heroin. Federally, there are numerous resources available to schools, including webinars, statistics, information on the crisis and comprehensive information on the dangers of opioids. These resources can be found on the U.S. Department of Education website. The website also lays out the responsibility of schools in the crisis and different ways the community can help. Another valuable resource is the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices, or NREPP, which is a database for strategies on implementation on a variety of behavioral health interventions, including opioid addiction and prevention. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Discovery Education partnered to bring curriculum to schools nationwide. Operation Prevention provides classroom resources, toolkits and education modules for students to use. The website states it has been used to reach two million students. Other programs such as Communities That Care, which is based on an entire community approach, provide tools to make decisions about the best evidence-based prevention. The use of this program has shown promising results in more areas than opioids. Many states require continuing education for teachers and education professionals regarding opioids, however, not all states have programs targeted toward youth. The table below displays information on state programs and requirements of states regarding opioids and schools.
Opioids in Schools: Requirements and Programming STATE
BILL REFERENCE
SUMMARY
STATUS
ARKANSAS
N/A
Prescription for Life program implemented by the Arkansas Attorney General. Provides high school curriculum for empowerment regarding the use of drugs and other choices.
Implemented
CALIFORNIA
EDC 49414.3
Permits use of opioid antagonist in schools.
Enacted
Getting Results is a database for school districts regarding strategies for implementing programs on drugs. COLORADO
N/A
Rise Above Colorado uses public education strategies and community outreach to alter young people’s perceptions on substances with the goal of reducing use.
Implemented