Introduction
The 2020 Health Standards of Learning: Support for the Instruction of Opioid Awareness and Prevention Instructional Guide, a companion document to the 2020 Health Standards of Learning, amplifies the Standards of Learning by defining the core knowledge and skills in practice and supporting teachers and their opioid awareness and prevention instruction. The local curriculum should include a variety of information sources, readings, learning experiences, and forms of assessment selected at the local level to create a rigorous instructional program.
The Instructional Guide is divided into three sections: Understanding the Standard, Skills in Practice, and Concepts and Connections aligned to the Standard. The purpose of each is explained below.
Understanding the Standard
This section includes health understandings and key concepts that assist teachers in planning standards-focused instruction focused on opioid awareness and prevention. The statements may provide definitions, explanations, or examples regarding information sources that support the content. They describe what students should know (core knowledge) as a result of the instruction specific to the course/grade level and include evidence-based practices to approach the standard.
Skills in Practice
This section outlines skills that are specifically linked to the standard. They frame student inquiry, promote critical thinking, and assist in learning transfer. Curriculum writers and teachers should use them to plan instruction to deepen their understanding of the broader unit and course objectives. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of student expectations. The four healthy lifestyle practices are critical thinking and decision making; acquiring, evaluating, and communicating health information; developing and using social skills; and regulating emotions and building resilience.
Concepts and Connections
This section outlines concepts that transcend grade levels and thread through the K through 10th grade substance use/misuse prevention to include opioid awareness and prevention program of instruction as appropriate at each level. Concept connections reflect connections to prior grade-level concepts as content and practices build within the discipline as well as potential connections across disciplines.

This resource is intended for teachers to use as a checklist with students to determine if they understand how to administer naloxone.

The video, created by the National Library of Medicine, discusses the escalating opioid overdose crisis and highlights naloxone (otherwise known as Narcan) as a crucial life-saving treatment that can rapidly reverse overdoses from opioids like heroin and fentanyl. Naloxone works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, restoring the ability to breathe in individuals experiencing an overdose. While naloxone is effective and safe, the video emphasizes the importance of seeking immediate medical attention after its use, as its effects are temporary, and the underlying opioid presence remains.

Virginia law (CHAPTER 451) requires each public secondary school that includes grades nine through 12 provide an opioid overdose prevention and reversal program of instruction at such grade level as the local school board deems appropriate. Each public secondary school is to adopt policies for the purpose of encouraging each student to complete such opioid overdose prevention and reversal program of instruction prior to graduating from high school.

The information in this resource is intended to support divisions in developing a program of instruction for grades nine through 12 on opioid overdose prevention and reversal and to serve as a resource for teachers responsible for implementing the program of instruction. Division programs of instruction are to include instruction in identifying the signs of a possible opioid overdose and training in the administration of an opioid antagonist for the reversal of a potentially life-threatening opioid overdose.

The First Lady of Virginia’s "It Only Takes One" campaign is raising awareness about the dangers of counterfeit drugs, which often contain deadly amounts of fentanyl. The campaign encourages open conversations and education about opioid addiction, empowering individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones. Through this initiative, Virginia is combating the opioid crisis in Virginia.

By understanding the risks, addictive qualities, and signs of an opioid overdose, teachers can empower themselves and their students to make informed decisions and take proactive steps to protect each other and their communities.

Xylazine is a powerful non-opioid sedative tranquilizer, often referred to by its street name, tranq. Although not a controlled substance in the United States, xylazine is not approved for use in people. It is increasingly being found in the US illegal drug supply and due to its impact on the opioid crisis, fentanyl being mixed with xylazine has been declared an emerging threat. This combination is especially dangerous and can be life-threatening; therefore, possibly unknowingly exposing people to the harmful effects of the drug (CDC, 2024).This video provides answers to some common questions about xylazine, xylazine use, the symptoms and health risks of xylazine and overdoses involving xylazine.