The Okaloosa County School Board unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing Aug. 21, 2025 as Fentanyl Education and Awareness Day, aligning the district with a state initiative to raise awareness about fentanyl risks and prevention resources.

During the meeting Superintendent Chambers read the proclamation, which described fentanyl as a Schedule II synthetic opioid and cited its potency relative to morphine and heroin. The proclamation also referenced a state legislative designation and encouraged local agencies, schools and health partners to promote education and resources.

Nut graf: The proclamation is intended to prompt district-wide awareness activities and to direct faculty, staff, parents and students to prevention and treatment resources. After the board vote, a representative from the Okaloosa County Health Department, identified in the meeting as Ms. Smith, spoke to the board and urged more education for students and families.

Chambers read passages noting that fentanyl is “approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin” and that educating residents can help prevent overdoses. Ms. Smith of the Health Department said the county has been impacted by fentanyl and thanked the board for recognizing the observance.

Action: Motion to approve the proclamation was moved, seconded and passed 5–0. The proclamation references the state legislature’s designation and calls for district collaboration with the Department of Health and other agencies to promote awareness and access to local resources.

Ending: The district will present the proclamation publicly and Health Department staff indicated they will work with schools on awareness activities.