In 2023, Santa Rosa County recorded 40 fatal drug overdoses, along with 330 nonfatal overdose emergency department visits and 244 overdose‑related hospitalizations. The 2024 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey found that 3.3% of high school students and 2.4% of middle school students in the county reported using prescription pain relievers without a prescription.
In response, the Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County (DOH-Santa Rosa) is working closely with the Santa Rosa County School District to increase drug‑prevention education in classrooms. School health nurses led two initiatives during the 2025–26 school year designed to help students understand the risks of substance use and encourage healthy decision‑making.
One effort focused on fourth graders. DOH‑Santa Rosa supplied 2,400 poster boards to 16 elementary schools for a countywide poster contest promoting drug‑free lifestyles. Students were given the prompt, “Saying NO to drugs is saying YES to ______,” and asked to fill in the blank with things that matter to them.
Responses included “community,” “hugs,” “life” and a variety of sports. About 81% of participating schools submitted entries, and 92% of fourth graders were offered the chance to take part. Two winners were selected — one representing schools in the south end of the county and the other representing the north end. Both posters emphasized that choosing to avoid drugs gives young people the chance to enjoy meaningful activities and positive relationships.
A second initiative targeted sixth and eighth graders through small‑group presentations held during P.E. classes. A total of 2,670 students across 13 schools took part.
The presentations covered addiction, vaping, opioids, how to recognize an overdose and how to help, including the use of Narcan. Students also watched a skit demonstrating how to confidently deliver a firm “no” in situations involving peer pressure. In addition, each student had the chance to navigate an obstacle course while wearing impairment goggles, giving them a safe way to experience how drugs can affect coordination and judgment.
After the sessions, 86% of students said they learned something new. Key takeaways included understanding how dopamine functions in the brain, learning how easily Narcan can save a life, and realizing how many people die daily from overdoses nationwide. Students also learned that most Americans with substance use disorders began using substances before age 18.
Health officials say early education is critical in preventing substance misuse in adolescence and adulthood.
“Our goal is to give students the knowledge and confidence they need to make safe choices,” school health staff said. “By starting conversations early, we’re helping protect the health and future of Santa Rosa County’s youth.”
The school health nurses plan to continue the substance‑use prevention presentations for new sixth and eighth graders during the 2026–27 school year. The fourth‑grade poster contest is also expected to return.