MS SB2281

Establishes the Mississippi Fentanyl and Drug Abuse Education Program within the State Department of Mental Health, effective July 1, 2023

Requires the Department of Mental Health to develop and implement a comprehensive statewide education, prevention, and cessation program based on scientific data and research proven effective

Mandates a mass media campaign including television, radio, social media, and print advertising to discourage fentanyl use and drug abuse, particularly targeting youth

Provides for school-based materials, curricula, and programs to educate youth about health hazards, teach refusal skills, and demonstrate how to stop drug use

Requires a surveillance and evaluation system to monitor program accountability, track spending, measure effectiveness, and provide annual improvement recommendations