Some of the playing cards for games in drug education kits that will be provided to schools in Northumberland County.

SUNBURY, Pa. — The fight to prevent underage drug use will soon make its way into the curriculum of schools in one central Pennsylvania county.

Officials tell the Sunbury, Pennsylvania Daily Item that a uniform, comprehensive drug education program will be implemented in all Northumberland County public schools by next fall.

Too Good for Drugs, a research- and evidence-based program, focuses on prevention through character building and relies on interactive lessons steeped in decision-making.

It will be taught in all six of the county’s public school systems, as well as a private school.

The Northumberland County Drug and Alcohol Program budgeted $70,000 to purchase Too Good materials for each grade level, kindergarten through 12, and to pay for training sessions for school staff. The county is the only one in Pennsylvania to implement the program for all grade levels in each public school, according to Carol Gifford, communications director for the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.

“We’re going to be serving approximately 12,000 students,” said Kerry Davis, the county agency’s prevention program specialist.

Games and role-playing are featured throughout the curriculum instead of traditional lectures and quizzes. There’s talk about the effects of drug use, of course, but lessons expand far beyond that. Setting and pursuing goals, handling peer pressure, analyzing media influence, conflict resolution and stress management techniques are all taught.

Lessons are scheduled to begin no later than next fall, with some schools considering a start after winter break. It will continue year after year indefinitely, with additional annual purchases by the county agency and school staff training when necessary. Student behaviors and attitudes will be surveyed and tracked anonymously to determine progress year over year.

Bernard Stellar, superintendent for the Mount Carmel Area School District, said a comprehensive curriculum is sorely needed. Student transfers often occur from one county district to another, he said. Too Good will ensure that in those cases, drug prevention education will continue.

As it stands, drug education is largely taught in health classes. The new curriculum will be an improvement, Stellar said.

“We’re well aware that our community and some of our students struggle with addiction. While we’re worried about student achievement, we’re also aware achievement is at least difficult if not impossible when addiction is involved,” Stellar said.

Scicchitano writes for the Sunbury, Pennsylvania Daily Item.