During an assembly at Revere High School, speakers from the Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education (NOPE) Task Force educated students on how getting help can prevent drug overdose deaths.

The NOPE assembly took place at the high school on March 7. The NOPE Task Force also held a program at the middle school on March 7 during the school day and an informational session for the community in the evening. Revere Community CARE sponsored the programs.

At-Risk Student Coordinator Bonnie Simonelli organized the assembly. She said she first heard of NOPE and decided to bring it to Revere after learning about it from Bob Carlyon, a former Revere music teacher who continues to work with Revere Players. Carlyon’s sister-in-law Susan Carlyon spoke at the high school assembly. Susan Carlyon explained why she decided to share her story at NOPE assemblies.

“I kept thinking, ‘What if someone could have saved [my son’s] life?’ Maybe with . . .  his picture right behind me, . . . we could save somebody’s life and let people know that it could happen it any city  . . . that it can happen to anybody,”  she said.

Susan Carlyon also explained why the NOPE assemblies focus on raising awareness about drug overdoses.

“Everybody makes mistakes in life, but not every mistake ends your life, but drugs do. One time can get you addicted, and one time can kill. You make one bad decision, and it can affect you and others,” she said.

Simonelli explained the breadth of the drug overdose problem in the United States.

“We have a huge problem, and it just kind of seems to be hovering. . . . We just have to keep educating people on the topic,” Simonelli said.

Dr. Jeffrey Hartmann, the principal at Stow-Munroe Falls High School, brought the NOPE program to Ohio. Hartmann said that he worked with NOPE while at his previous school located outside of Philadelphia. The Stow branch of NOPE has now presented to 8,700 students this school year. Hartmann stated the purpose of NOPE.

“NOPE is designed to empower youth through education and advocacy to ultimately reduce addiction behaviors and overdose deaths,” Hartmann said.

Simonelli said that this year’s NOPE assembly differed from previous assemblies on the topic of drug overdoses due to its personal nature. Simonelli gave her perspective on the openness of the speakers to share their stories.

“It was very personal. Whenever anybody can stand up and talk about a loss like that in their family . . . , I think they’re putting so much out there. They’re like my heroes,” Simonelli said.

Stow Youth Services Supervisor Katherine Christ, who directed the presentation, handles communications with schools and organizations to put on NOPE presentations. Christ said that she heard about NOPE from Hartmann when he brought it to Stow. Christ spoke on the importance of raising awareness on narcotics overdoses.

“Addiction is a brain disease. The only way to combat this disease is to not allow the substances into your body. Students need to be aware of the risk of taking prescription medicine not prescribed to you, taking illicit drugs, and drinking alcohol,” Christ said.

Simonelli and Hartmann both said that education and raising awareness on drug overdose deaths prevents their occurrences most effectively. Hartmann explained the importance of education about narcotic overdoses.

“Helping students make informed decisions is the best way to arm them to save lives. . . . It’s easier to get help for someone when you know where to go for help,” Hartmann said.

Simonelli advises students to remember that Revere has many resources available, including teachers, other staff members and herself.