Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) hosted an inaugural REVIVE! training at Jefferson on May 31. During the event, substance abuse prevention specialist Charlisa Becklund introduced opioids and overdose symptoms to students. Becklund also explained how to administer Naloxone, an opioid reverser commonly referred to as Narcan.
Opioid misuse and overdoses are increasing rapidly in Fairfax County. According to the Fairfax County Health Department, opioid overdose fatalities involving fentanyl increased 95% from 2016 to 2023. In response, the Fairfax community has offered REVIVE!, an overdose reversal training program.
“The school took advantage of this [educational opportunity],” assistant principal Chrystal Benson said. “The training taught students to stay safe, avoid addiction, dispel myths and use Naloxone.”
The event covered topics such as recognizing opioids and overdoses. Opioids are typically prescribed as pain medications, but when misused, can cause overdose.
Substance abuse prevention specialist Charlisa Becklund explained symptoms of overdose, including slow breathing or unresponsiveness. Becklund then described the assistance process, which includes calling for help, giving rescue breaths and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and administering Naloxone.
“I hope students feel empowered to come to the aid of fellow young people and not leave the scene,” Becklund said. “The Good Samaritan law helps protect all of us lay people.”
Moreover, the REVIVE! training emphasized the role that students play in understanding opioids and their effects to avoid misuse.
“I learned that opioids are very dangerous to mess with, even if you only do them one time,” sophomore Elizabeth Thakuri said. “If there’s anything students should take away, it’s that one time could alter the course of your life forever.”