Jeanne Whalen on School-Based Strategies to Combat Opioid Abuse
Alcohol and pot are really just the beginning now of this cornucopia of drugs that kids might encounter, and they really need to know that just because something looks like a pill does not make it safe.
Imagine the front lines of the opioid crisis not in hospitals or rehab centers, but in schools. In this compelling episode of the Cover 2 Resources podcast, host Greg McNeil chats with Jeanne Whalen, Deputy Bureau Chief of Health & Sciences at The Wall Street Journal, about how schools are stepping up to fight substance abuse among students.
Whalen dives into effective programs like Botvin Life Skills, which equips kids with decision-making skills to resist peer pressure and avoid substance abuse. The program has shown promising results, significantly reducing the likelihood of prescription pill misuse before students even reach 12th grade. Another initiative discussed is CVS's outreach, where pharmacists visit schools to educate kids about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.
Whalen also highlights the unique challenges faced by rural communities in battling the opioid epidemic and underscores the urgent need for more prevention and treatment programs in these areas. She doesn't shy away from discussing the peril of counterfeit pills and the international dimensions of the crisis, including the Chinese connection. Throughout the conversation, Whalen emphasizes the importance of drug education for young people, warning that the dangers extend far beyond alcohol and marijuana.
This episode is a treasure trove of information and strategies that schools can implement to safeguard their students from the grip of opioid addiction.