Illinois middle schoolers would be required to learn about the dangers of fentanyl under a plan approved Tuesday by a Senate committee. [Health News Illinois]

The bill from Sen. Laura Ellman, D-Naperville, would expand state-mandated health courses on fentanyl that are required for high schoolers to those in grades six through eight.

The courses are taught by a licensed educator, school nurse or school counselor.

“We need to educate students sooner rather than later on the prevalence of fentanyl in our communities and the severe, long-term detriment it has on perpetuating the ongoing opioid epidemic,” she said after the plan was approved by the Senate’s Education Committee.

The measure heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

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