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Every day, five to six Virginians lose their lives to drug overdoses, a staggering number that highlights the severity of the opioid epidemic gripping our state. Since 2020, more Virginians have died from fatal drug overdoses than from car accidents and gun violence combined, with fentanyl responsible for a significant portion of these tragedies. This crisis, now the leading cause of unnatural death in Virginia, demands urgent action from all sectors of society, especially our educational institutions.
Schools could take a more proactive and sustained role in combating the opioid crisis by implementing comprehensive drug education programs, training staff and students to use the lifesaving, overdose-reversing medicine Narcan and fostering student-led campaigns to promote drug-free lifestyles.
One of the most effective ways schools can address this issue is by providing thorough and ongoing drug education. A one or two-day awareness symposium, in order to “check off” a box, is simply insufficient. Instead, a culture of “continuous advocacy” should be integrated into every school.
These programs would not only educate students about the dangers of opioids, but also equip them with the skills to make informed, healthy choices. Starting early and reinforcing these lessons throughout a student’s academic journey is crucial. Schools should partner with healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and community organizations with more frequency to ensure students receive accurate and up-to-date information, particularly about the deadly risks associated with fentanyl.
Moreover, schools must be prepared for the possibility of an opioid overdose occurring on campus, which, unfortunately, at least one Virginia high school has experienced previously, Narcan (naloxone) should be readily available in all schools. Training staff members and older students in its use is essential, ensuring that they are equipped to respond quickly in an emergency.
Virginia’s Attorney General, Jason Miyares, has underscored the importance of Narcan through his “One Pill Can Kill” campaign, emphasizing the need for widespread training. Schools should integrate Narcan training into health education classes and professional development sessions, making it a standard part of their emergency preparedness.
Empowering students to actively promote a drug-free environment is another critical step. School administrators should encourage student-led campaigns, such as the “Make a Pledge” initiative, which can effectively raise awareness and foster a sense of responsibility among peers. These campaigns might include peer mentoring, awareness events and the appointment of campus ambassadors.
By involving students in these efforts, schools can create a supportive community where young people feel encouraged to stay drug-free and help their friends do the same. The First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne Youngkin, and AG Miyares have launched a website to help facilitate these kinds of difficult conversations at itonlytakesone.virginia.gov, which I highly recommend all students visit and study.
To further prepare students for the challenges they may face regarding drug use, schools should incorporate role-playing and real-life scenarios into their education programs. These exercises help students understand the pressures they may encounter and develop strategies to resist them. By practicing how to say “no” to drugs, recognizing signs of drug use in others and knowing how to seek help, students will be better equipped to navigate these situations in real life.
Additionally, schools should encourage students to become ambassadors for drug prevention, extending their influence to younger students. This peer-to-peer approach can be particularly effective, as younger students are often more receptive to messages delivered by older peers they admire. Schools should partner with organizations like the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth to design and execute these campaigns.
The opioid crisis, exacerbated by the prevalence of fentanyl, requires urgent and sustained action. Schools must embrace a leadership role by continuously advocating for drug prevention and equipping students and staff with the necessary knowledge and tools to combat this epidemic.
Comprehensive drug education, Narcan training, student-led campaigns, role-playing exercises and the promotion of student ambassadors are all crucial steps in creating a safer environment and preparing students to make informed choices. The future of an entire generation depends on it.
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