Riverside County Expands Fentanyl Education in Schools

Riverside County is putting a stronger focus on fentanyl prevention and awareness in schools this academic year.

The county is rolling out a new curriculum designed to educate students about the dangers of fentanyl and help prevent overdoses.

The program includes eight 50-minute lessons taught over the course of a semester.

Palm Springs Unified School District is among the school systems using the curriculum as part of its health courses this year.

District officials say staff will receive training to make sure teachers are prepared to deliver the lessons.

The curriculum will focus on common misconceptions about fentanyl, including the dangers of both illicit and pharmaceutical forms of the drug.

Officials also want students to understand how serious fentanyl exposure can be and feel confident reporting suspicious substances or activity.

The effort follows California Assembly Bill 2429, which requires fentanyl education as part of health curriculum for high school students.

PSUSD says parents will also be included in the conversation through informational letters, parent nights and additional resources about the dangers of fentanyl.

Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin says prevention and prosecution are both important in addressing the fentanyl crisis.

The goal, officials say, is to give students the information and resources they need to make safer choices and help keep fentanyl out of their communities.