How Schools Can Strengthen Fentanyl Awareness and Prevention Programs
Educators have a unique opportunity to educate and protect students from the growing dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills. As the opioid crisis continues to impact communities across the country, young people need:
Accurate information
Trusted support systems
Practical prevention education
Awareness saves lives, and schools have the power to create environments where students feel informed, supported, and empowered to make safer choices. Here are five ways schools can strengthen fentanyl awareness and prevention efforts.
Prioritize Honest, Age-Appropriate Education
Students need factual, up-to-date information about fentanyl, counterfeit pills, and overdose risks. Prevention programs should move beyond fear-based messaging and focus on honest conversations that explain how fentanyl is often hidden in substances that appear legitimate. When students understand the real risks, they are better equipped to protect themselves and others.
Create Safe Spaces for Conversation
Young people are more likely to speak up when they feel heard and supported. Schools can encourage open dialogue by creating judgment-free environments where students feel comfortable asking questions and discussing concerns related to substance use, peer pressure, and mental health. Trusted adults and open communication can make a life-saving difference.
Include Overdose Response Education
Teaching students and staff how to recognize the signs of an overdose and understand the role of Naloxone (Narcan) can save lives. Schools can help reduce stigma around overdose prevention by incorporating awareness about:
Naloxone access
Emergency response steps
Importance of acting quickly in a crisis
Strengthen Mental Health Support
Substance use prevention and mental health support go hand in hand. Students facing stress, anxiety, grief, or isolation may be more vulnerable to risky behaviors. Expanding access to counselors, peer support programs, and mental health resources helps students build healthier coping strategies and stronger support systems.
Bring in Real Stories and Community Education
Sometimes, the most powerful lessons come from lived experience. Bringing in speakers, educators, and organizations focused on fentanyl awareness can help students connect emotionally to the importance of prevention. Real stories create real impact and often stay with students long after a presentation ends.
Bringing Wilson’s Wave to Your School
Betsy Moore’s powerful speaking engagements and educational programs are at the heart of Wilson’s Wave. Drawing from her own experience, Betsy’s presentations are heartfelt, informative, and designed to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Her curriculum includes:
Understanding the current state of the opioid crisis
Recognizing the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills
Practical overdose prevention education
Building compassionate, supportive communities
Betsy’s message is a call to action that encourages students, educators, and families to stay informed, speak openly, and help protect one another.
If your school is interested in bringing Wilson’s Wave to your students or community, we encourage you to reach out. Contact us to schedule a speaking engagement or workshop and help strengthen fentanyl awareness & prevention in your school.
