Oklahoma Schools Implemented Fentanyl Education

Salina Middle School students learned about opioid dangers and naloxone use following the passage of Rain's Law.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Substance Abuse

Bold vector editorial illustration of a sealed medication kit and medical gloves, symbolizing student health safety and opioid overdose education. — Oklahoma middle schools have initiated mandatory fentanyl awareness assemblies, training students on opioid risks and naloxone use under the state’s Rain's Law. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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More than 100 students at Salina Middle School participated in a fentanyl awareness assembly led by bereaved parents. The initiative follows the 2026 enactment of Rain's Law, which mandates drug prevention education for students in grades six through 12 across Oklahoma.

Why it matters

Lawmakers established the educational mandate to combat rising overdose deaths by ensuring students understand the risks of fentanyl. Advocates believe that sharing personal experiences and teaching students how to use naloxone is essential for preventing future tragedies.

The assembly reached more than 100 students, including eight who reported having personally lost someone to drug use. State law now requires this drug awareness curriculum for all students from 6th through 12th grade.

The players

Greg Swan

He is a bereaved parent who advocates for drug awareness and preventative education in schools.

Karla Carlock

She is a parent who shares her personal experience with fentanyl loss to educate students on overdose prevention.

The details

Parents Greg Swan and Karla Carlock shared accounts of losing their children to fentanyl poisoning to help students identify risks. Instructors also provided training on the application of naloxone, a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.

April 3, 2013: Drew Swan died.
2023: Rain Reese died.
2026: Rain's Law passed.
September 23, 2026: Article published.

Health Landscape

The implementation of Rain's Law reflects a broader shift toward integrating emergency medical preparedness into public school curricula. This moves beyond traditional drug prevention methods by providing students with direct access to life-saving tools like naloxone.

Students and families in the district now have access to specialized training on how to use naloxone to intervene during an opioid crisis. This education equips the community with the practical skills needed to potentially reverse overdose effects before professional help arrives.

The takeaway

Proactive education provides students with the critical knowledge needed to identify and address opioid risks in their personal lives. Implementation of these programs underscores a community-wide commitment to preventing future drug-related fatalities through shared awareness and preparedness.