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Public Act 103-0399 specifies that the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) collaboratively develop a comprehensive Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Instruction Resource Guide for public elementary and secondary schools across the state of Illinois by July 1, 2024, and regularly update it. This mandate is designed to address escalating concerns pertaining to substance abuse among youth and to provide necessary resources for prevention and recovery efforts.​

ISBE and IDHS collaborated with stakeholders, including the Illinois Opioid Crisis Response Advisory Council, to ensure the relevance of the Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Instruction Resource Guide. It will be regularly reviewed and updated based on the latest findings. The guide will be accessible on this page and disseminated electronically statewide. School districts are not required to use it, but are encouraged to do so for effective instruction. The guide, which is aligned with state standards and action plans, includes age-appropriate content, strategies for interactive instruction, and resources for diverse demographics. IDHS may reimburse costs for heroin and opioid prevention programs, emphasizing effective teaching methods and technological integration. 

The guide also includes information on purchasing and using fentanyl test strips, a critical harm-reduction tool aimed at preventing overdoses. These strips allow individuals to detect the presence of fentanyl in substances, which is increasingly linked to accidental overdoses. To ensure equitable access, the guide provides a directory of organizations and programs that offer test strips for free or at a reduced cost, as well as guidance on their proper use. This addition reflects a proactive approach to educating communities on harm-reduction strategies, equipping students, educators, and families with practical tools to address the opioid crisis effectively.​ There are also additional resources listed below.

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Instruction Resource Guide​​​​​​

  Fentanyl Test Strip Resources
​Educating individuals on fentanyl test strips can reduce accidental fentanyl exposure, a major factor in opioid overdoses. By raising awareness and teaching harm-reduction practices, such education empowers safer choices. Accessible, judgment-free information and widespread distribution normalize proactive safety measures, helping detect and avoid fentanyl-laced substances. These efforts save lives, advance public health goals, and reduce stigma around harm-reduction tools, fostering a culture of informed decision-making and greater community safety.

 School Administrators Resources

School administrators play a critical role in both drug education and overdose prevention within schools. They introduce evidence-based programs into the curriculum, establishing a safe and knowledgeable school environment. They collaborate with health professionals, parents, and community organizations to form a supportive network for students. Their leadership in raising awareness, facilitating training sessions, and providing resources equips students to make informed choices about drugs, ultimately preventing misuse and safeguarding student health.

 Teachers Resources

Educators can create supportive environments for open discussions by fostering trust and relationships with youth. Educators who integrate historical and factual drug education into the curriculum ensure students understand the risks and consequences of substance misuse. They can address overdose prevention within diverse youth populations by engaging students as leaders and tailoring programs to meet the unique needs of all students, promoting inclusivity and understanding.

 Parents and Caregivers Resources

​Parents and caregivers who actively engage in family discussions and school programs create safe spaces for children to ask questions and express concerns, indicating to children that drug education is a priority. Understanding drug education and prevention strategies allows parents and caregivers to provide accurate information and clear advice to their children and recognize early signs of potential drug use or related issues. Employing trauma-informed approaches fosters supportive environments that address underlying issues sensitively and respectfully. This involvement is key to preventing drug misuse and promoting overall well-being.

 Community Stakeholders Resources

Community stakeholders can foster collaboration in effective drug education and youth overdose prevention by leveraging local resources and expertise. Local leaders, community organizations, health care providers, and law enforcement can significantly contribute by participating in initiatives and offering comprehensive insight on programs that cover the history of drug use, current trends, and health equity principles. Informed stakeholders can support evidence-based strategies to address substance misuse and promote trauma-informed approaches that recognize students' trauma experiences, prioritize safety, trust, and empowerment, create supportive frameworks that encourage open communication and early intervention.

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