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Substance Use Prevention and Intervention

Substance Use Prevention and Intervention

Oregon school districts provide comprehensive substance use prevention and intervention services to K-12 students which include: 

  • Evidence-informed prevention education for K-12 students, including opioid prevention instruction
  • Fear and shame-free communication with students and families
  • Intervention and referral  processes to support individuals impacted by substance use
  • Overdose prevention and emergency response planning
  • Professional development, training and support for school staff

This website provides information on requirements, best practices, and other tools that school districts, communities, and others can use in planning for and implementing comprehensive substance use prevention and intervention services. For specific information on what materials or practices local school districts may be using, please contact the individual districts directly. 

New resources are available to support school-based substance use prevention and intervention. View the  Resources Quick Start Guide to explore these and other tools available for school districts.


Comprehensive District Plan

Comprehensive Substance Use Prevention and Intervention Plans


Substance Use Prevention Education

Substance Use Prevention Education



Campaign and Communication Resources

Campaign and Communication Resources

Intervention, Harm Reduction, and Recovery

Intervention, Overdose Response, 
and Recovery













ODE provides direct support for all 197 school districts and community members who support K-12 Comprehensive Substance Use Prevention and Intervention in Oregon, including: 


Divis​​ion 22​ Technical Assistance 


Meeting or presentation about K-12 Comprehensive Substance Use Prevention and Intervention implementation for school board, school district, or community.

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Email Substance Use Prevention Education Coordinator at ode.substance-prevention@ode.oregon.gov​ for support.

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Subscribe to ODE’s Health Ed List Serv for updates on resources and support for districts.


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​​​The following Oregon and ODE laws, rules, and policies relate to K-12 comprehensive substance use prevention and intervention:


Prevention Education in Drugs and Alcohol  (OAR 581-022-2045)

Requires a comprehensive plan for substance use prevention and intervention. Includes K-12 substance use prevention education that meets the Health Education Standards; requires a minimum of 1 ODE Opioid Prevention Education lesson in grades 6, 7, and 8 and once in High School. The intervention plan must include: school policies and procedures on substance use; resources and referral processes; and training and procedures for staff.



Medication Law (OAR 581-021-0337)

Outlines requirements for medication administration in the school setting, including  non-injectable, short-acting opioid antagonists (naloxone).



Good Samaritan Law (ORS 30.800)

Provides legal protection for individuals who render emergency medical assistance to another person, including administration of naloxone.



Suicide Prevention, Intervention, Postvention (Adi’s Act”) (ORS 339.343; OAR 581-022-2510) 

Requires Oregon School Districts to develop comprehensive district Student Suicide Prevention Plans.


Duty of Student to Comply with Rules (ORS 339.250​)

Outlines requirements of Oregon School Districts related to discipline, suspension,  and expulsion. 


Oregon Civil Rights Law (ORS 659.850​), Title IX

Protects students against discrimination, and identifies sex and sexual orientation as protected classes (as well as race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age or disability). ​​



Youth e-cigarette use continues to be a public health concern in the United States. Data from the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey shows that 1.6 million middle and high schools students reported using e-cigarettes. Join Truth Initiative and the Oregon Department of Education on the topic of teen vaping. Educators will leave this session armed with actionable strategies to create opportunities for impactful conversations about the dangers of vaping and the addictive powers of nicotine.


In-Person Professional Development: Substance Use Prevention in K-12 Classrooms 

In-person trainings for elementary and secondary educators and administrators to support implementation of K-`12 opioid prevention lessons. If you would like to host a Substance Use Prevention and Intervention professional learning session at your district or ESD, please fill out this Hosting a Substance Use Prevention and Intervention Profssional Learning Session interest form​. 


Opioid Prevention Virtual Learning Webinars
Professional learning opportunities designed to equip Oregon’s educators and school administrators with essential knowledge and resources to prevent opioid misuse, support at-risk students, and foster prevention-awareness in a proactive school-based climate. 






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