SAN MARCOS, Texas – Texas State University has received a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to combat fentanyl use in Hays County schools.
According to the university, the $1.8 million grant will boost its Fentanyl Education, Support Training and Awareness (FESTA) program over the next five years.
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Texas State faculty members said they designed the FESTA program to help school districts in the area implement state-mandated educational programming on the dangers of substance use.
In 2023, the Texas legislature passed Tucker’s Law. According to the House Committee’s report, one of the requirements was the creation of Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week in public schools for sixth through 12th graders.
Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week educates students about the risks of the drug and raises awareness of local resources.
“With that new requirement and the fact that schools might need some additional help, sometimes because they’re doing so many other good things, they might want additional resources or the extra manpower to create and implement outreach and educational resources for their school community,” FESTA Project Director Kelly Clary said. “This was an opportunity to collaborate with Hays County middle and high schools to support their students, faculty, and parents/caregivers.
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