Curriculum about fentanyl, other opioids could come to WA junior high classrooms

Washington state's opioid death toll is climbing faster than anywhere else in the country, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That's why schools may soon be required to teach students about the risks.

The bill would mandate education about opioids, especially fentanyl, in seventh and ninth grade health classes.

Medical experts, parents, and students spoke in support of the bill Thursday at a Senate hearing. Maria Trujillo-Petty's 16-year-old son died in 2022 after unknowingly smoking marijuana laced with fentanyl.

"My baby is gone and he's never coming back," she said through tears. "But my hope is this bill will provide families and youth with the education so that no other parent has to live like this."

Emma Potra, a student at Lake Washington High School, also spoke in support of the bill. She said students must be educated so they can make informed decisions.

"It is frightening to hear the stories of teenagers my age passing away due to fentanyl," Potra said. "If this bill can save lives, can prevent a mother from losing a son or a student from losing a friend, then I'm in full support of it and I encourage everyone here today to support it as well."

No opponents spoke at the hearing.

The bill has already passed the House. If it passes the Senate, and Gov. Jay Inslee signs it, state education officials would have until December to provide schools with the updated curriculum.

Seventh and ninth graders would start learning it as soon as possible during the 2024-25 school year.