In response to the escalating opioid crisis affecting Washington youth, 25 educators from southwest Washington participated in the Friends for Life campaign training hosted by Educational Service District’s (ESD 112) Prevent Coalition. Conducted virtually on April 23 and April 28, the two sessions aimed to equip middle and high school educators with the tools and curriculum necessary to help educate and prevent opioid misuse among students.

Led by Mandy Feeks, Community Prevention Project Coordinator at ESD 112, the training sessions addressed the dramatic rise in opioid-related overdose deaths among Washington youth—an alarming trend largely driven by the prevalence of fentanyl. With the synthetic opioid involved in more than 70% of overdose fatalities statewide, the training aimed to equip educators with essential knowledge and tools to support prevention efforts in their schools.

For many participants, the training offered both actionable insights and accessible materials ready for immediate classroom use.

“I was surprised by how easy it is to use the Friends for Life presentation and the resources available on the website,” said Laura Darland, Student Assistance Professional at Discovery Middle School. “I’ll be using this in prevention education taught in the classroom, and I also use the brochures and posters for school-wide and family messaging.”

The Friends for Life campaign, developed by the Washington State Health Care Authority and endorsed by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), provides age-appropriate content for middle and high school students. It highlights the dangers of counterfeit pills, often laced with fentanyl, and the role of naloxone in reversing overdoses.

Friends for Life postcards with targeted youth messaging

Each training session provided:

  • A deep dive into youth-specific opioid risk factors, including mental health struggles, injury-related pain, and social pressures.
  • An overview and demonstration of OSPI-recommended classroom lessons and activities tailored to middle or high school settings.
  • Free educational materials for use in schools and communities.
  • An opportunity to earn professional clock hours for live session attendees.

Educators learned that many teens who encounter fentanyl do so unintentionally, mistaking counterfeit pills for genuine prescription medication, often purchased via social media.

“Our youth are facing a crisis, and it’s essential that schools are equipped to be part of the solution,” said Feeks. “The Friends for Life campaign gives educators the resources they need to start conversations in the classroom, promote prevention, and ultimately save lives.”

Funding for the training was provided by the Clark County Opioid Abatement Council. The training was recorded and is available upon request. For additional information or to access training materials, educators can contact Mandy Feeks at mandy.feeks@esd112.org.

About Prevent Coalition

The Prevent Coalition is a community coalition formed in 2003 to increase collaboration and awareness and reduce youth substance use in Southwest Washington, including Clark, Klickitat, and Skamania counties. Prevent also implements initiatives for rural communities across Washington State through the Rural Network to create a culture that promotes healthy choices. Through support from ESD 112, as well as invaluable community volunteers and organizations across the state, Prevent advocates for policies and regulations that protect, empower, and nurture youth. Prevent is funded by the Youth Cannabis & Commercial Tobacco Program from the Washington Department of Health, the Health Care Authority State Opioid Response grant, and other state and federal grants. For more information, visit www.preventcoalition.org.