Lambourn, Neguse Submit Bill to Increase Fentanyl Education in Schools
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Two Colorado lawmakers have introduced bipartisan legislation to the House of Representatives that would allow unused COVID-19 funds to be used for fentanyl education and prevention efforts in schools.
Called the Protect Children from Fentanyl Act Act, the bill would allow primary and secondary school emergency relief funds passed in COVID-19 relief packages to be used for fentanyl education in K-12 schools. The law was introduced by Republican Doug Lambourne and Democrat Joe Negse of Colorado.
If the bill is passed, schools will use ESSER funds to purchase naloxone and other opioid overdose counteractants and educate schools, including nurses, teachers and administrators, on how to administer opioid antagonists. Allowed to train staff and provide fentanyl awareness classes and materials to students. .
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“Across Colorado, there has been an exponential increase in fentanyl-related overdoses, and the impact this crisis has had on families across the state is truly devastating,” Neguse said in a news release. A law to protect children from fentanyl is a bipartisan solution that empowers K-12 schools to tackle this emergency: Everyone, especially our children, deserves to live in safe communities. And this bill will help us reach that goal.”
Lawmakers introduced the bill after hearing concerns about fentanyl-related overdoses from schools and public health officials, according to a news release from Neguse’s office. The release cited figures from the Colorado Department of Education. and noted that 29 children aged 10-18 died from fentanyl during the 2021-22 school year.
“The fact that children are dying from fentanyl overdoses in schools across the country is absolutely unacceptable,” Lambourn said in a news release. However, research shows that naloxone availability, along with overdose education, is effective in saving lives. We will ensure that schools have the preventive tools and education they need to protect vulnerable populations.”
Andrea Thomas — executive director of the Voices for Awareness Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Grand Junction that promotes awareness about drugs, including fentanyl — wants to help children learn about counterfeit drugs disguised as legal medicines. He said preventive education was “essential”.
“During the Covid pandemic, the country was educated about health security, but sadly we did not expect the lingering effects of isolation and social media on young people during lockdown. Sneaking into our communities, they used a public health crisis to start another, more deadly crisis. , we lack the resources to do so. In-person drug prevention in schools seems like a natural next step in protecting our children.”
Earlier this year, Governor Jared Polis signed into law bill making it a felony Possession of more than 1 gram of substances containing fentanyl. It also reduces the “cut point”, or amount of fentanyl compound, required to prosecute people for more felony offenses for distribution.
The law mandates drug treatment for people convicted of fentanyl-related crimes, requires county jails to provide medication-assisted treatment and withdrawal management, and aims to reduce harm related to drug use. Make some large one-time investments. Purchase of naloxone.
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