Exclusive: Senator Shaheen introduces bipartisan bill to combat youth opioid use in schools

Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), joined by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Laphonza Butler (D-CA), today introduced the Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at combating youth opioid use. The bill proposes a new grant program under the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) initiative, allocating $7 million annually for five years. This funding would…

Colin Booth

September 12, 2024

Senator Jeanne Shaheen today introduced the bipartisan Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act to help prevent youth opioid use by funding partnerships between schools and Drug-Free Communities. (Colin Booth/Granite Post)

The bill proposes a new grant program under the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) initiative, allocating $7 million annually for five years. This funding would enable DFC coalitions to collaborate with schools on opioid education and prevention. A companion bill is being led in the House by Representatives Linda Sánchez (D-CA) and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR).

Shaheen, reflecting on the opioid crisis in New Hampshire, said the state must reach young people before opioids become an influence in their lives.

“In New Hampshire, we’ve lost too many Granite Staters — and far too many young people — to opioids. We can and must do more to bring an end to this epidemic and save lives. The bipartisan Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act will help communities across New Hampshire and the nation stem opioid misuse in schools by educating kids about the dangers of opioid use and working to help prevent overdoses,” Said Shaheen in a statement after the bill was introduced.

Shaheen has been a leader in securing funding for substance use disorder initiatives, including $29.8 million in State Opioid Response (SOR) grants for New Hampshire in 2024. Through her advocacy, federal support for treatment and prevention in New Hampshire has increased tenfold.

New Hampshire has been significantly impacted by the opioid crisis, with around 417 drug overdose deaths recorded in 2022, largely driven by opioids such as fentanyl, which has been involved in approximately 80% of overdose fatalities in recent years, making it a critical factor in the state’s ongoing struggle against opioid misuse.

Youth opioid misuse is also a growing concern, with schools increasingly focused on prevention efforts. New Hampshire has expanded treatment options through federal funding and local programs, enhancing access to life-saving resources in response to the crisis.

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