Opioid class improves awareness at Northampton Middle

Pictured: Karrie Phillips teaching the Eastern Shore CSB’s opioid awareness class to an 8th grade Northampton Class.

A class aimed at increasing awareness of the dangers of opioids produced strong results among the 8th-grade students at Northampton Middle School. The class covers topics ranging from opioids and Narcan to recovery prospects.

Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin, is often prescribed for severe pain but has become a leading cause of overdose deaths in the U.S. In recent years, illicitly manufactured fentanyl has been increasingly found in counterfeit pills and street drugs, significantly raising the risk of accidental overdose. Just 0.2 milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal to an adult.

According to Karrie Phillips of the Eastern Shore Community Services Board, pre-test scores among students aimed at measuring general awareness averaged 2.94 out of 5. After completing the course, the average score on the awareness test rose by a full point to 3.97.

Before the class, students most commonly responded to questions with “I don’t know anything about opioids,” “nothing,” or “I really don’t know.” Afterward, common answers included “addictive” and “bad for you.”

Kelly Bulin, Director of Program Development, Planning, and Prevention, said 8th grade is an ideal time to present the class, as students are at a transitional stage and more open to learning.

The program was also conducted with Accomack County’s 8th-grade classes and expanded to include education on the dangers of vaping.

Phillips presented her findings to the Northampton County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday night, and the board voted unanimously to continue supporting the education initiative.