The current opioid epidemic kills an estimated four people every day in Massachusetts and is considered one of the greatest health threats to adolescents. Massachusetts state data indicates opioid addiction is a public health crisis, which requires the development of a health promotion program for adolescents and legislative action. The innovative eight-week middle school-based program Promote Opioid Prevention Program 4 Youth (POPPY) is implemented during Health and Wellness classes. POPPY is based on the Social Cognitive Theory, focusing on environmental and health behaviors. The goals of this distinct program are to: reduce adolescents\u27 misuse of prescription opioid medication, increase adolescents\u27 self-efficacy to make healthy decisions regarding misuse of prescription opioid medication, and to foster an environment conducive to preventing misuse of prescription opioid medication, while building social and self-management skills. The POPPY health promotion program will provide education that leads to development of health-related decision-making skills. Ultimately, healthier decisions lead to a reduction in opioid misuse risk factors such as peer pressure, social influence, curiosity, and experimentation. Protecting youth from health risks is critical to preventing fatalities associated with chronic conditions such as drug addiction that can lead to the onset of other major illnesses later-on in adulthood
