In a recent meeting, Arizona's Department of Education highlighted the urgent need to address the rising threat of Fentanyl in schools through the newly launched STOP IT program. The initiative, which stands for School Training Overdose Preparedness and Intelligence Task Force, aims to educate students and staff while implementing preventive measures against Fentanyl-related incidents.

Dysart Unified School District proudly announced that three of its members, including Governing Board President Kevin Cashat and board member Don Densmore, participated in the task force. The initiative comes in response to alarming increases in Fentanyl overdoses among young people in Arizona, prompting concerns from parents, educators, and students alike.

The STOP IT program is equipping schools with naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, and is providing training for teachers and nurses on its administration. During the meeting, Sergeant Mike Gunderson of the Air National Guard, also a member of the task force, presented 70 doses of naloxone to the Dysart Unified School District, emphasizing the importance of having life-saving supplies readily available on campuses.

While the necessity of such measures is a somber reflection of current societal challenges, the district expressed gratitude for the proactive steps being taken to safeguard students. The meeting concluded with a call for the governing board to gather for a photo opportunity with Sergeant Gunderson, marking a significant moment in the district's commitment to student safety.