Truth Initiative has partnered with Pennsylvania's Office of Attorney General to offer a digital course aimed at educating students in grades 8-12 about the safe use of prescription drugs. The initiative, powered by EVERFI from Blackbaud, is part of a broader effort to address the ongoing fentanyl overdose crisis affecting communities nationwide, including Pennsylvania.
The course, titled "Prescription Drug Safety: Know the truth," is supported by the Community Drug Abuse Prevention grant program. It aims to inform students about the risks associated with misusing prescription drugs like fentanyl and counterfeit pills. According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 12.2% of high school students across the U.S., and 9% in Pennsylvania, have misused prescription opioids.
"Equipping students with the knowledge and skills to prevent prescription drug misuse is crucial," said Kathy Crosby, CEO and President of Truth Initiative. "Prescription Drug Safety: Know the truth will empower Pennsylvania youth to become safe and informed users of medication."
The program uses personal stories and interactive scenarios to teach students about drug misuse, addiction potential, treatment options, recovery processes, and overdose response strategies. This educational tool aligns with growing efforts in schools to stock naloxone—a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses—supported by organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA) and National Association of School Nurses (NASN).
Ray Martinez, co-founder and president of EVERFI from Blackbaud, praised Attorney General Michelle Henry for her commitment to deploying this initiative statewide. "This educational resource has already been found to promote responsible behavior among teens," he said.
Attorney General Michelle Henry emphasized education's role in empowering young people: "We all have a collective responsibility to show up for the youth and help them reach their full potential."
Since its initial release in 2017, Prescription Drug Safety: Know the truth has reached numerous schools across the country. The program is expected to impact 250,000 students this year alone.