by Breanna Reeves
A new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom this month will now require school districts to include curriculum on the dangers of fentanyl use as part of high school health courses, beginning with the 2026-27 school year.
Authored by Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego), Assembly Bill 2429 will require schools with existing health courses to include lessons on fentanyl’s dangers, risk factors, how to identify when fentanyl is mixed with other drugs (lacing) and how to respond to an overdose and use naloxone.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine, but is 50 to 100 times stronger.
“Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 49, and its impact is felt across the nation and globe,” said Assemblymember Alvarez in a statement when the bill initially passed the Assembly in May. “AB 2429 underscores the importance of education in combating this crisis and ensures our youth are prepared to protect themselves and their communities.”
In 2023, among the total population, there were more than 6,700 fentanyl-related deaths, according to California’s Overdose Surveillance Dashboard. Among young adults aged 15 to 24, 547 experienced a fentanyl-related death.
Health officials across the state have ramped up awareness regarding fentanyl overdoses to spread awareness about the dangers of fentanyl use, harm reduction and how to administer naloxone. Last year, the governor signed AB 641 which requires California State University and Community College campuses to have fentanyl testing strips available at campus health centers.
Awareness campaigns have also been enacted at the local level, like San Bernardino County’s campaign, “Fentanyl Doesn’t Care. But We Do.” Across both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, the health departments have launched surveillance dashboards to track fentanyl and opioid overdoses and deaths.
Fentanyl overdose deaths have been declining over the last several years among individuals aged 15 to 24, in both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
“Educating young people and students on the dangers of fentanyl is a critical harm prevention strategy and will help students be able to recognize fentanyl and assist in an emergency,” stated Chairwoman Nora Vargas of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. San Diego County co-sponsored the bill. “There is no one-size solution to this crisis, but providing education about the dangers of fentanyl is a good first step.”
This bill is one of many that are part of Newsom’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis, which also includes expanding California National Guard-supported operations that has led to an increase in seized fentanyl.
