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Last updated on Wednesday, April 25, 2018
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Attorney General Curtis Hill today praised the rollout of a new program at Perry Meridian High School in Indianapolis aimed at helping students make wise decisions about prescription medications. With financial support from Walmart, a new digital curriculum developed by the education firm EverFi is being provided to Indiana high schools at no cost to the schools, starting in the Indianapolis area.
Attorney General Hill today joined educators and students at Perry Meridian to launch the initiative. Representatives from EverFi and Walmart also attended the convocation.
"Almost half of all teens incorrectly believe that prescription drugs are safer than illegal street drugs," Attorney General Hill said. "We need to correct these misconceptions and help students make safe and healthy decisions."
The EverFi program uses an evidence-based, public health approach to enabling students to make well-informed choices. Through interactive scenarios and self-guided activities, students learn facts about drugs, how to properly use and dispose of them, and how to step in when faced with a situation involving misuse. The course is aligned with the Centers for Disease Control's National Health Education Standards and state academic standards.
"The health and safety of our patients is a critical priority, and Walmart is committed to be part of the solution to the nation's opioid epidemic," said Kari Preston, Walmart Indiana Health & Wellness Director. "We believe education on prescription drug abuse is a key part of the solution, we are proud to help fund this program that teaches Indianapolis students about the dangers of prescription drug abuse."
The digital prescription drug abuse prevention course is the flagship initiative of the Prescription Drug Safety Network, a public-private initiative to combat prescription drug abuse by providing prevention education to schools across the United States. Walmart is a partner in the nationwide coalition.
"Prescription drug abuse has dealt a devastating blow to communities across the country, yet there are few programs aimed at positively preventing the abuse before it occurs," said EverFi CEO Tom Davidson. "Through the Prescription Drug Safety Network, we are bringing together industry leaders, state officials, policy groups and community organizations committed to combating this scourge by investing in prevention education. I applaud Walmart and Attorney General Hill for their commitment to empowering youth with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe."
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