The 2023 Healthy Youth Survey showed increases in the misuse of prescription drugs, pain killers, and other illicit drugs both in Pierce County and across Washington compared to 2021. While they represent a relatively small proportion of 8th–12th grade students overall (each under 4%), these findings show opportunities for more prevention work.
When students overdose, a medication called Narcan (naloxone) can save their lives.
In the 2024 Legislative Session, the Washington State Legislature passed Senate Bill 5804. The law requires all school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools to obtain and maintain at least one set of opioid overdose reversal medication doses in each of its public schools. It also required districts to adopt an opioid-related overdose policy.
High schools may be able to access free Naloxone through their Education Service District.
- Statewide Standing Order to Dispense Naloxone—Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
Education for staff and students
- Opioid-Related Overdose Policy Guidelines & Training in the School Setting—OSPI.
- Washington Good Samaritan Law.
- Training videos from stopoverdose.org.
- Resources from fentanylfacts.org.
- Public Health Seattle-King County Fentanyl Information
Learn more at stopoverdose.org.