SPRINGFIELD – Illinois students from middle school through high school will learn about the dangers of fentanyl at the start of the 2025-2026 school year, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“Drug overdoses leave families heartbroken and can escalate quickly without immediate, proper care,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Educating our youth – the future of our families and communities – about fentanyl’s serious health risks and how to care for those facing misuse will prevent patterns of abuse across the state.”

The Illinois Department of Public Health states a lethal dose of fentanyl is smaller than a drop of water. Opioids, including fentanyl, heroin and other drugs, are involved in 70% of fatal drug overdoses.

Ellman’s law expands the fentanyl education requirement to all students in grades six through 12, ensuring students learn at an earlier age about the dangers of fentanyl and how to respond to an overdose.

“We want to prioritize the health of all Illinoisans, and spreading awareness through education will help future generations to be more mindful of how they confront this issue,” said Ellman. “I look forward to having our youth take action to help those in need with this vital knowledge.”

House Bill 4219 was signed into law last Friday and is effective immediately.