JOINT RELEASE: Governor Signs Law to Prevent Youth Overdoses

HB25-1293 will increase overdose prevention education and treatments in Colorado high schools

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, and Representative Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora, to prevent youth overdoses was signed into law today. 

“Opioid overdose is the third leading cause of deaths among young people in our nation, and we must be doing more to combat these tragedies,” Snyder said. “This new law outlines commonsense solutions to equip students with the tools they need to prevent overdoses and save lives.”

“Fatal overdoses are preventable, and we’re working to inform and educate Colorado high school students so lives can be saved,” said Jackson. “This bipartisan bill standardizes drug overdose education in our public schools so our high schoolers are better informed, now and into adulthood, and can act quickly during an overdose emergency. We’re fighting back against youth overdose deaths, and if this education requirement saves even one student, it will be worth it.”

Cosponsored by House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, and Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, HB25-1293 will add education standards for opioid overdose identification, risks, prevention, and response to high school curricula statewide. It will also allow public and non-public schools to seek gifts, grants, and donations to acquire and maintain a supply of Naloxone and other opioid antagonists on school campuses.

Colorado has the second highest rate of overdose deaths among adolescents nationwide. Overdose education and Naloxone distribution are proven to be crucial in preventing death due to opioid overdose. 

Last year, Colorado lawmakers championed a law that made opioid antagonists and drug testing strips available on school buses and in school buildings.