An Act to increase substance use prevention and awareness and reduce overdose abandonment

This bill amends Massachusetts law to require public schools to update their substance use prevention policies with specific educational components. The new requirements mandate that students learn about the dangers of addictive substances, particularly opioids, and are informed about legal immunities that protect individuals who call 911 during an overdose. By integrating these protections into school curricula, the legislation aims to reduce overdose abandonment by encouraging students to seek help without fear of legal repercussions. The act also allows schools to evaluate the effectiveness of their education programs and collaborate with state health and education departments to improve these efforts.