VFHY first released the Dangers of Fentanyl lesson in early 2024 with a simple goal: to give teachers and other child-serving professionals a practical resource for educating youth on the dangers of the synthetic opioid.  

The lesson was initially developed by practitioners from the Warren County Community Health Coalition. In May 2024, we recognized National Fentanyl Awareness Day with an Empower Series webinar featuring a conversation between host C.J. Stermer and Warren Coalition Executive Director Christa Shifflett. She shared her advice for using the Dangers of Fentanyl lesson to make a lasting change in your community.  

Whether you missed the original webinar or you just need a refresher, here are four expert tips for implementing the Dangers of Fentanyl lesson.  

Lead with compassion.  

Judging, shaming, and fearmongering are guaranteed to make youth shut down. It’s important to teach the Dangers of Fentanyl lesson with compassion and an open mind.  

Recognize that students are approaching this topic from a variety of perspectives, and don’t dismiss their experiences.  

For example, if a student declares that all their friends use substances but none have overdosed, don’t accuse them of lying or try to scare them. Instead, tell them you’re glad to hear that, but their experience is uncommon.  

“Because we know that scaring kids doesn’t work, … your credibility has gone right out the window when you do that,” Christa says.   

Point to the evidence.  

Lying is the fastest way to lose all credibility. And there’s no need to lie about or sensationalize the fentanyl crisis — the facts are shocking enough. 

If a student asks a question that you do not know how to answer, Christa suggests being honest and telling them you don’t know. Then, promise to try to find an answer – and follow up with the student later when you know more.  

Look to VFHY’s website and other trusted sources for the most up-to-date information on the opioid crisis. We will update the Dangers of Fentanyl lesson periodically as new data becomes available, and everyone who has downloaded it will be notified when updates are made.  

Stick with small groups.  

Christa suggests teaching the Dangers of Fentanyl lesson to classes of no more than 25, and even smaller groups are preferable.  

Youth are more reluctant to ask questions in front of a big group, so keeping classes small can lead to better discussions and more students absorbing the lesson. Christa recommends moving around the room or sitting with the students, if possible, to make the lesson feel less like a lecture and more like a conversation.  

Also, it is important to be able to see each student during the lesson to notice if anyone is upset or struggling. Remind students that it is okay to leave the room if the subject is overwhelming, and encourage them to speak with you, a counselor, or another trusted adult if they need support. 

Empower youth to stay safe.  

We know that fear and shame are not effective ways to prevent substance use. So what is?  

Empowering youth to use the information they are learning to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.  

Christa advises presenting the information in the Dangers of Fentanyl lesson as a powerful tool students can use to make healthy decisions. By equipping youth to take this information out of the classroom and into their real lives, you are giving them the power to stay safe.  

Christa explains, “[Tell students that] you’re going to learn things that could help you potentially save your life or your friends’ lives… That sense of power and that they can do something, I think is really important.”   

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The Dangers of Fentanyl lesson is now available in both English and Spanish. The lesson, along with the webinar featuring Christa’s expert advice, is 100% free and available to the public.