Fentanyl Awareness, Prevention & Response (Grades 7–12)

Module 1 — Understanding Fentanyl

Duration: 15–20 minutes
Goal: Introduce students to the basic facts about fentanyl, its potency, and its role in the opioid crisis.

Learning Objectives

• Define fentanyl and understand why it is more dangerous than other opioids.
• Explain how fentanyl contamination in counterfeit pills increases overdose risk.
• Recognize the impact of fentanyl on communities and youth.

Key Content

• Fentanyl: what it is, how it’s used medically vs. illicitly.
• Common forms: powders, counterfeit pills, mixed substances.
• Statistics on overdose rates and national trends.
• Real-world stories and local context.

Interactive Activity

• Watch an animated or documentary-style video on the dangers of counterfeit pills.
• Group or online discussion: “Why do young people underestimate fentanyl risks?”

Assessment

• 3-question quick quiz or poll
• Exit reflection: “One thing I learned about fentanyl today is…”

Module 2 — Recognizing an Overdose

Duration: 20 minutes
Goal: Teach students how to identify an opioid overdose and understand what immediate steps to take.

Learning Objectives

• Identify signs of an opioid overdose (specific to fentanyl).
• Learn what to do in an overdose situation.
• Understand why acting quickly can save a life.

Key Content

• Common symptoms: slow/no breathing, blue lips, unresponsiveness.
• Step-by-step emergency response protocol.
• Understanding the “Good Samaritan Law” and why it protects helpers.

Interactive Activity

• Scenario-based simulation (choose-your-response digital exercise).
• Classroom demonstration or online walkthrough of a mock overdose situation.

Assessment

• 5-question knowledge check
• Reflection prompt: “What would you do if you suspected someone was overdosing?”

Module 3 — Using Naloxone (Narcan)

Duration: 25–30 minutes
Goal: Provide hands-on and visual instruction on how to use naloxone to reverse an overdose.

Learning Objectives

• Understand what naloxone (Narcan) is and how it works.
• Learn how to safely administer it.
• Know where to access naloxone in your community.

Key Content

• Naloxone overview: mechanism of action and safety.
• Demonstration: how to use Narcan nasal spray (step-by-step).
• When and how to give additional doses.
• Community resources for free or low-cost naloxone.

Interactive Activity

• Virtual or in-person demonstration with training kits.
• Quiz with drag-and-drop steps of naloxone use.

Assessment

• Practical exercise or video submission (if virtual).
• Quiz on naloxone use and overdose response.

Module 4 — Prevention & Staying Safe

Duration: 15–20 minutes
Goal: Promote prevention strategies and healthy decision-making.

Learning Objectives

• Identify ways to avoid fentanyl exposure.
• Understand peer influence and how to make safe choices.
• Learn how to support friends and seek help.

Key Content

• Dangers of counterfeit pills and social media drug sales.
• How to handle peer pressure and risky situations.
• Healthy coping mechanisms: sports, art, trusted adult communication.
• Available school and community resources.

Interactive Activity

• “Peer-to-Peer Pledge” — create short prevention messages or digital posters.
• Group discussion: “What does being a prevention leader mean to you?”

Assessment

• Mini quiz and scenario-based reflection.
• Completion of prevention pledge or awareness statement.

Module 5 — Review, Quiz & Reflection

Duration: 10–15 minutes
Goal: Reinforce learning, test understanding, and encourage personal reflection.

Learning Objectives

• Summarize key points about fentanyl and overdose response.
• Demonstrate understanding of naloxone use and safety.
• Reflect on how to apply learning in real life.

Activities

• Comprehensive final quiz (5–10 questions).
• Reflection journal prompt: “How can I make a difference in my community?”
• Optional group debrief or sharing session.

Assessment

• Final quiz (passing score: 70% or higher).
• Reflection submission (graded for completion).

Program Completion

Certification: Students who complete all modules and pass the final quiz receive a
📜 National Awareness & Prevention 101 Certificate of Completion
Optional Add-On: Peer Awareness & Prevention Ambassador recognition.