Require Arizona schools to teach dangers of fentanyl and illicit drugs

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The Issue

I lost my son to a tragedy that no parent should ever have to experience. He thought he was using cocaine, but it was laced with illicit fentanyl. His life was one of the thousands taken by this silent epidemic sweeping through our communities. Every day, more people are falling victim to this insidious substance, and the crisis is only growing more severe.

It is estimated that fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, making it extremely lethal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone (primarily fentanyl) have increased over 56% from 2019 to 2020. Arizona, like much of the country, has seen the devastating impacts of this crisis firsthand, with countless families shattered by the loss of loved ones.

Education is our most powerful tool in the fight against this epidemic. By integrating mandatory drug education into school curriculums across Arizona, we can equip our children with the knowledge and awareness they need to make informed decisions. This education can cover the dangers, signs, and steps to take if they or someone they know encounters these drugs. It’s about empowering our youth to protect themselves and their peers.

By implementing evidence-based educational programs and collaborating with health professionals, we can make a significant difference. Educational sessions can include real stories, expert talks, and interactive discussions. Students need to understand the facts, not just the myths, about addiction and the real risks associated with drug use. Preventative education could dramatically reduce the numbers of those affected.

This is not just about saving lives; it’s about giving our children the future they deserve, free from the grip of opioid addiction and tragedy. No parent should have to endure the pain of losing a child to this crisis. Join me in calling on the Arizona Department of Education and local schools to take swift action.

Let's prioritize the safety and education of our youth. Sign this petition to urge all Arizona schools to incorporate comprehensive drug education into their curriculums. Together, we can make change happen.

The Decision Makers

Katie Hobbs
Arizona Governor

Petition Updates