California public schools are now required to provide employees with training on opioid prevention techniques and response, as well as increase awareness about the dangers of fentanyl. This new requirement comes as a result of Governor Gavin Newsom signing SB 10, also known as Melanie’s Law. The law was inspired by the tragic overdose of 15-year-old Melanie Ramos, who unfortunately lost her life in a bathroom at Bernstein High School in September 2022 due to unknowingly taking pills containing fentanyl. Her friend, however, survived.
Sen. Dave Cortese, the author of the bill, emphasized the devastating impact fentanyl has had across California and stated that the bill offers concrete solutions to protect young people. He said, “This law will train educators on life-saving fentanyl response and give students and adults the resources and knowledge to stop the opioid epidemic in their communities. As we celebrate SB 10 becoming law, we honor Melanie Ramos, a bright teenager who lost her life to fentanyl. Melanie’s Law will save young lives in California for decades to come.”
Under the new legislation, California public schools must provide training to school employees on opioid prevention and life-saving response as part of a Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP). Additionally, the bill establishes a statewide framework to ensure that all students and adults understand the growing risks of youth fentanyl exposure and have access to resources for prevention and response to fentanyl poisoning and overdoses.
Elena Perez, Melanie Ramos’ mother, expressed her gratitude for the law and the memory of her daughter. She stated, “Her memory lives with her friends and family, and her legacy will be felt across California. I miss her dearly, but her memory and my love for her has given me the strength to speak so that other mothers will not have to suffer what I am suffering. I thank Governor Newsom for signing Melanie’s Law. I ask every middle and high school employee in California to undergo overdose prevention training and have Narcan available. Let’s please protect every young person.”
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