Education authorities have expressed concern about the lack of fentanyl prevention and awareness programs in California schools.
Accidental overdose from synthetic opioids is currently the leading cause of death for people aged 18 to 45, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The opioid called fentanyl is known to make up the vast majority of these overdoses and is often made into rainbow-colored pills that resemble candy.
Health classes could educate students about the dangers of fentanyl, but health education remains optional in most California schools.
“That is our No. 1 complaint,” stated Dareen Khatib, co-chair of the California Health Education Community of Practice, according to the Santa Cruz Sentinel. “Prevention is not always prioritized. It’s not consistent. And it’s not offered to all children. … Ideally, we want every student in California to have access to this.”…