Pinellas Kids Ages 11 To 13 Not Too Young To Learn Dangers Of Opioids

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Of the 70,630 drug overdose deaths in 2019, about 50 percent of those who died were teens, according to the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

The DOJ said one in seven high school students reported misusing prescription opioids in their lifetime and one in 14 high school students reported current prescription opioid misuse.

So, as far as the DOJ is concerned, children between 11 and 13 years old aren't too young to learn about the dangers of misusing opioids, and the Pinellas County School Board agrees.

In the continuing battle to fight the opioid crisis, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and School Board are teaming up with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast to begin educating kids on the dangers of these drugs at an earlier age.

Using education plans, training and tools provided by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast staff will teach classes on opioid risks at all 22 Pinellas County middle schools.

“I’m grateful for our partners that not only recognize the issues in our community but find innovative ways to be proactive and take action," said Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. "Both the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast and the Pinellas County School Board are on the frontlines and see firsthand the issues that our youth face. There is no question that this partnership will give teens the tools they need to make good decisions and ultimately save lives.”

“Our team understands the adverse impact the opioid epidemic is causing for teens,” said Freddy Williams, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast.

“We are stronger when working together on behalf of young people and grateful for our partnership with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Pinellas County Schools and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office," Williams said. "Not only will we teach students how to resist opioids, but we will also educate them on how to respond in emergencies. This program is timely, innovative and potentially lifesaving.”