Virginia schools must lead the fight against the opioid crisis • Virginia Mercury

Daily, Five to six Virginians lose their lives to drug overdosesa staggering number that illustrates the severity of the opioid epidemic in 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 this leading cause of unnatural deaths in Virginiacalls for 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 in the use of the life-saving overdose-reversing drug Narcan, and promoting student-led campaigns to promote drug-free lifestyles.

One of the most effective ways schools can address this problem is by providing thorough and ongoing drug education. A one or two day awareness symposium to “check off” a box is simply not enough. 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 give them the skills to make informed, healthy decisions. It is critical to start early and reinforce these lessons throughout a student's academic career. Schools should collaborate more frequently with medical professionals, law enforcement and community organizations to ensure students receive accurate and up-to-date information, particularly about the deadly risks associated with fentanyl.

Additionally, schools must be prepared for the possibility of an opioid overdose on campus, which unfortunately is at least the case a Virginia high As the school has already learned, Narcan (naloxone) should be readily available in all schools. It is important to train staff and senior students in its use to ensure they can respond quickly in an emergency.

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares highlighted the importance of Narcan in his book “One Pill Can Kill.” campaignemphasizing the need for comprehensive training. Schools should integrate Narcan training into health education courses and continuing education events and make it a standard part of their emergency preparedness.

Another crucial step is to enable students to actively work for a drug-free environment. School administrators should promote student-led campaigns such as the “Make a Pledge” initiative, which can effectively raise awareness and promote accountability among peers. These campaigns may 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. Virginia First Lady Suzanne Youngkin and AG Miyares have launched a website to facilitate such difficult conversations itonlytakesone.virginia.govI can warmly recommend visiting and studying to all students.

To better prepare students for the challenges they face related to drug use, schools should incorporate role-playing games and real-life scenarios into their educational programs. These exercises help students understand the pressures they may face and develop strategies to withstand them. By practicing saying “no” to drugs, recognizing signs of drug use in others, and knowing how to seek help, students will be better prepared to handle these situations in real life.

Additionally, schools should encourage their students to become drug prevention ambassadors and extend their influence to younger students. This peer-to-peer approach can be particularly effective because younger students are often more receptive to messages from older classmates they admire. Schools should work with organizations like this Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth to design and execute these campaigns.

The opioid crisis, exacerbated by the proliferation of fentanyl, requires urgent and sustained action. Schools must take a leadership role in ongoing commitment to 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 critical steps in creating a safer environment and preparing students to make informed decisions. The future of an entire generation depends on it.