Resources

Post-program recommendations:

The RISKS are REAL: The Truth About Fentanyl & Fake Pills is a valuable initiative to educate young people about the serious issues of substance misuse, with a particular focus on the dangers of fentanyl. Following up after such a program is critical to reinforce its messages and provide ongoing support to students. Here are some recommendations for teachers on how to follow up after the event:

Debriefing Session

• Immediate Discussion: Have an open classroom discussion immediately after the event to address any immediate thoughts, feelings, or questions.

• Anonymous Question Box: Set up a box where students can drop in questions or concerns anonymously if they are not comfortable speaking openly.

Integration into Curriculum

• Health and Science Lessons: Integrate the information into health education or science curriculum, discussing the physiological effects of substances on the body and brain.

• Social Studies: Discuss the societal impacts of drug misuse and the importance of community resources.

Critical Thinking

• Group Projects: Assign projects that involve creating awareness campaigns or researching the impact of substances on local communities.

• Essay Writing: Encourage students to write reflective essays or journal entries on what they learned and how they feel about the issues discussed. 

Parental Involvement

• Parent-Teacher Meetings: Share information from the assembly and discuss how parents can talk to their children about substance misuse.

• Resources Handout: Provide parents with a list of resources and contacts they can reach out to for further information or help.

Support Structures

• Counselor Sessions: Schedule sessions with school counselors for students who may need to talk in a more private setting.

• Peer Support Groups: Help facilitate the creation of peer support groups where students can discuss healthy living choices.

Continued Education

• Guest Speakers: Bring in local experts, like doctors or people in active recovery, to talk about the real-life implications of drug misuse.

• Educational Materials: Provide students with access to materials such as brochures, websites, and videos that continue the conversation. Please also check back to this site as we will continue to add classroom resources.

Activities for Engagement

• Interactive Workshops: Organize workshops where students can engage in role-playing or other interactive activities that stress decision-making and peer pressure.

• Art and Media Projects: Have students create posters, videos, or social media content that promotes drug-free lifestyles.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Feedback Surveys: Distribute surveys to assess the impact of the assembly and to identify ongoing concerns or areas of interest among students.

• Observation: Keep an observant eye on changes in behavior or attitude that may suggest a student is struggling with issues related to substance misuse.

Resources and Referrals

• Resource List: Provide a list of local and national resources that students can access if they need help.

• Referral System: Establish a system for referring students to professional help if they show signs of substance misuse or request assistance.

As an educator you know the key to a successful follow-up is to ensure that students do not feel judged but supported, and that they know there are resources and people they can turn to for help. The post-assembly period is a crucial time to solidify the messages delivered and provide a pathway for students to incorporate what they’ve learned into their everyday lives.