Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) stood alongside a bipartisan group of legislators today at the New York State Capitol to announce the introduction of Assembly Bill A.8540, the Fentanyl Fathers and Mothers Act. The legislation, spearheaded by Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks), would require all public, private and charter schools in New York to implement a comprehensive Fentanyl Education, Awareness and Recognition Program for students in grades six through 12.

DeStefano, a longtime advocate for youth safety and drug prevention, called the proposal a critical step in combating the alarming rise in youth overdose deaths caused by fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.

“We are losing young lives every day to counterfeit pills and deadly synthetic drugs like fentanyl,” said DeStefano. “This is not just a drug crisis, it is a public health emergency. Education is our most powerful tool in this fight. We must equip our children with the knowledge to recognize danger, understand the risks and make life-saving decisions.”

The Fentanyl Fathers and Mothers Act would go beyond traditional drug education by including instruction on how fentanyl is being disguised and distributed, how to recognize an overdose, and how to seek help. The program will also mandate the distribution of naloxone in schools and require annual evaluations to ensure its effectiveness.

DeStefano emphasized that prevention must also address the root causes that lead young people to substance use.

“Too many families, including those in my district, are mourning children lost to substances they didn’t even know they were taking. We need schools to also teach emotional coping skills, mental wellness and where to go for help. Kids are struggling silently, and we owe it to them to do more than just warn them—we have to support them.”

DeStefano urged swift action on the bill and called on parents, educators, and community leaders to support the effort.

“This bill is about saving lives. It’s about protecting our children and giving them a chance at a future. I am proud to stand with my colleagues and push for its passage.”