Union County has designated some of its Opioid Settlement Funding to develop a collaborative program in Union County Public Schools along with Behavioral Health Collaborative and Law Enforcement. Substance use and vaping continue to be a significant disciplinary issue in the public schools. School suspension has not been effective in decreasing these issues. 

The program will be meant for students already using, for middle and high school students at-risk for using, and/or for students living in communities in which there are high levels of drug use. The curriculum is designed to be used in classrooms or group settings.

The goals include:

• Encouraging youth not to use drugs in the first place.
• Encouraging youth who are already using to stop or at least cut back or make alternative choices to reduce their risk.
• Providing straightforward; science-based information.
• Exploring the risks and perceived benefits of drugs.
• Prioritizing safety through personal responsibility and knowledge.
• Teaching healthy coping skills when dealing with stress.

Union County, Union County Public Schools, and the Sheriff's Office staff met mulitple times to discuss a collaborative program. All agreed on the proposed below, which will be brought to the Board of County Commissioners Board meeting in January or February. Here is what was proposed:

Opioid Settlement Funding – UCPS/Law Enforcement/Behavioral Health

Potential Schools

Forest Hills HS

Porter Ridge HS

Sun Valley HS

Target Audience

Students found under the influence, in possession, use at school, and/or share/sell/distribute (actual or attempt) with the following Illegal/Unauthorized Substance and would be given a suspension for these actions (we may want to look at repeated infractions vs. 1^st one, although students are usually suspended for 1^st offenses for alcohol, tobacco products, and illegal drugs):

Over the Counter Medication- outside of the routine, normal usage of medication or without proper authorization. 

Prescription Medication - Without proper medical authorization, students shall not transport prescription or non-prescription medication to or from school or have medication in their possession at any time without meeting conditions prescribed by the Board of Education. 

Alcohol - Includes but is not limited to wine, beer, non-alcoholic beer, and energy drinks containing alcohol.

Tobacco Products - All tobacco products, including but not limited to cigars, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, snuff, chew packets, and all lighted and smokeless tobacco and/or nicotine products are prohibited and will be confiscated.  

Illegal Drugs, Counterfeit or Synthetic Drugs, Huffing (including the misuse of inhalants), and/or Drug Paraphernalia (including but not limited to rolling papers, bongs, pipes, and scales) and misuse of chemical/material (organic or otherwise) that causes or is purported to cause a hallucinogenic/mind altering effect or might bring about a state of exhilaration, euphoria or of otherwise altering student’s mood or behavior. 

Model

Behavioral Health Collaborative Therapist- Assess needs for each student (counseling, treatment referrals, Substance Use Classes).  Recommend substance use screening tool/tools (TBD) and clinical interview/assessment.

In School Suspension vs. Out of School Suspension – Students use when given out of school suspension. Instead, provide students work assignments as well as some online modules substance use modules that are specific to the student’s offense. This will require space as well as an assigned staff to monitor and someone to ensure the students are given the correct modules. Everyfy is used at the schools and has modules that can be used.

Substance Use Class (High Risk- repeat offenders, certain score on substance use screening)- Currently this class is after school for two hours for 4 days (8 hours). An alternative is to have the class on two Saturdays at the school. Class facilitators – Behavioral Health Collaborative Staff and retired SRO. Use the Safety-First Curriculum.

Substance Use Class (Low Risk- low score on screening tool, 1^st offense, only tobacco use)- A two to four-hour class. Less intense version of the class above. Facilitated by Behavioral Health Collaborative Staff and retired SRO.

Tobacco Only Classes (1^st offense)- Currently, there are no consistent curriculums at the schools. When I spoke to Lisa, she said that currently, each school handles these offenses individually, there is no consistency in how this is being done – no set number of classes or timeframe, no set curriculum, no designated staff. My recommendation is to use the INDEPTH (Intervention for Nicotine Dependence: Education, Prevention, Tobacco, and Health) Program or Healthy Futures program. These are evidenced-based programs that are four hours in length. Can be used as an alternative to suspension model or with suspension. Perhaps it can be taught by the Behavioral Health Therapist or by a designated school staff person.

The substance use education pilot started at Porter Ridge Middle and High School and Sun Valley Middle and High School in October 2024. The curriculum being used is Too Good for Drugs. Unfortunately, the program was put on hold at Porter Ridge Middle and High School due to a staffing issue.