Lawmakers heard broad support on Tuesday for bills that would require opioid‑use disorder education and naloxone training for high school students, with presenters saying a brief, standardized lesson could give young people life‑saving skills.

Advocates told the Joint Committee on Education that the training is brief and feasible to add to health curricula: “It only took 15 minutes of class time,” said Suhani Mitragotri, co‑founder of the Naloxone Education Initiative, noting a pre/post survey in which comfort administering naloxone rose from 29 percent before training to 80 percent afterward. The initiative has given the lesson to students across Massachusetts.

Why it matters: Overdose deaths among young people are rising nationally and in Massachusetts, and witnesses said many teen overdose victims were not regular users but had taken a single pill laced with fentanyl. Families who have lost children urged the committee to include fentanyl explicitly in the curriculum and to build a process for keeping the lesson up to date with changes in the local drug supply.

What supporters proposed: Testimony described short, instructor‑led modules that teach (1) how opioids affect the brain and body, (2) how to recognize an overdose, (3) how to administer naloxone (Narcan), and (4) steps to get emergency help. Young trainers and student groups — including Naloxone Outreach and Education Initiative and campus groups — said the lessons reduce stigma and increase willingness to act. “Training students in Narcan isn't about encouraging drug use, it's about protecting life,” said Izzy Nolan, a Canton prevention worker.

Concerns and details: Medical witnesses said naloxone is safe to give even when the person is not opioid‑intoxicated, and that second doses are sometimes needed. Several presenters asked the committee to include requirements for evidence‑based curriculum, timely updates on the drug supply (including fentanyl), and clear links to local public‑health resources.

Where it goes from here: The committee took testimony on Senate Bill 382 and House Bill 530, among others. No vote was taken at the hearing. Supporters asked lawmakers to move the bills quickly and to include language ensuring curriculum updates and local coordination.