CHAMBERSBURG – Franklin County Commissioners have adopted a new program aimed at educating school children across the county about the dangers of opioid and other drug, alcohol and tobacco use.
The opioid education and prevention coordinator will strengthen the county’s response to opioid and other drug use by expanding prevention and education efforts across the county’s public and private schools, county officials said. This position is in partnership with Healthy Community Partnership and will be supported by opioid settlement funding.
The cost for the new program is $186,000 over a 2- to 3-year time frame, said Karen Johnston, executive director of the Healthy Community Partnership.
Purpose of the position
The new coordinator will work with the public and private schools to ensure they have the resources needed for drug, vape, alcohol and mental health awareness programs so that the schools can expand prevention and education efforts, Johnston said.
Over the next two decades, Franklin County could receive as much as $6.5 million to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic, thanks to two nationwide settlements with drug manufacturers, distributors and pharmacy chains. Franklin County Commissioners, with recommendations from the Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board and community stakeholders, will use those funds to fight the ongoing opioid epidemic, county officials noted.
Why it’s needed
·Support for Schools: Local schools are asking for more help – more education, more referrals to student assistance programs and better access to up-to-date materials, county officials said. Johnston noted that an increasing number of students seem to be turning to vaping, sometimes with THC, as well as using marijuana, cigarettes and alcohol, all “gateway” drugs to even more harmful substances. Some also use ZYN, a smokeless tobacco product placed between the gum and lip that also deliver nicotine and is addictive.
· Increased Demand: Current prevention resources are stretched thin. This position ensures consistent, high-quality support across all districts. The coordinator, Johnston said, will ensure schools have the educational resources they need and help fill gaps.
· Focused on Prevention: Early education and awareness are key to stopping opioid misuse before it starts. This position supports that goal. Whjile some may view vaping as harmless, Johnston said, some younger people are vaping with THC, obtained usually from someone they know or even online. She said a component of this is access to mental health resources, too, she added, which the coordinator will ensure are in place.
How it aligns with opioid settlement guidelines
· Implements evidence-based school and community education programs
· Expands capacity and collaboration with schools, families, and local organizations
· Helps schools and families navigate real-world barriers that contribute to opioid risk, such as limited access to mental health services, transportation or basic supports.
· Provides naloxone education and distribution in school settings
· Tracks program outcomes and impact
Expected outcomes
· Increased referrals and support through student assistance programs
· Stronger collaboration with educators, students and families
· Increased access to resources like naloxone
· Tailored prevention programs for nearly 22,000 students across public and private schools
· Measurable improvements in youth health behaviors
