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High-school student urges Georgia to designate a Fentanyl Awareness Day; committee approves resolution

Special Rules Committee · February 6, 2026

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Summary

A senior from George Washington Carver STEM High School told the Special Rules Committee that a single awareness day during Red Ribbon Week could help combat rising opioid and fentanyl deaths; the committee approved the resolution to move forward by voice vote.

A student presenter told Georgia’s Special Rules Committee that she wants the state to designate one day during Red Ribbon Week as Fentanyl Awareness Day to draw attention to the rise in opioid and fentanyl deaths.

"This crisis is so huge that to fight, it will take a change in culture and mindset of people," said Kayla Green, a senior at George Washington Carver STEM High School in Columbus, who described research and school outreach that led to her request. She cited Department of Public Health data showing a 100% increase in opioid overdose deaths from 2012 to 2021 and described local patterns she said showed the greatest toll among adults ages 30–39 and measurable youth impacts.

The resolution, introduced to the committee by a sponsor who identified the student as the author, asks the legislature to designate one day each October during Red Ribbon Week as a fentanyl-awareness observance. Committee members praised Green’s presentation and asked questions about outreach and who would carry the program into schools.

Representative Ballard told Green she was proud of her effort. Representative Baker said targeting middle and early high schools could reach children as young as 12 and 13. Representative Taylor asked about making materials and visibility aids affordable for people with limited resources.

Taylor moved that the committee do pass HR 1049; the motion received a second and the committee approved the resolution by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The resolution will proceed in the rules process.

The committee-recorded testimony stressed education and prevention as the primary goals; sponsors and members said they expect schools, public-health agencies and partner organizations to be involved if the resolution advances.