Collaboration with National Indian Education Association, DEA and Discovery Education expands effort to address the opioid crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Discovery Education, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the National Indian Education Association (NIEA), announces the launch of “Good Medicine Bundles,” a set of hands-on, standards-aligned resources for elementary and middle school students to address the nation’s opioid crisis and encourage resiliency through a Native approach to balance and wellness.

Launched on April 15th, the no-cost digital program is designed to help students understand how their connection to community and nature can restore balance and support better decision-making. These bundles combine traditional storytelling, the medicine wheel, and other Native practices of wellness with the insights of modern science to help students form a better response to trauma and stressors.

“This expansion of Operation Prevention will allow an underserved community to receive important, potentially life-saving information,” said DEA Acting Administrator D. Christopher Evans. “In collaboration with Discovery Education and the National Indian Education Association, the “Good Medicine Bundles” component aims to prevent substance misuse and abuse by reaching this vulnerable population at an early age, educating them about the consequences of bad decisions that lead to substance misuse, and offering alternatives that are in line with their cultural practices. DEA will continue to utilize outreach and prevention strategies as part of our broader mission to protect the public from the dangers of substance misuse and the violence associated with the demand for drugs in this country.”

The “Good Medicine Bundles” are an extension of the Operation Prevention educational initiative created by DEA and Discovery Education. Operation Prevention is a nationwide program that educates students about the science behind addiction, and its impact on the brain and body. Operation Prevention interactive resources help promote lifesaving discussions in the home and classroom. With the assistance of NIEA, these drug prevention tools have been tailored for culturally appropriate use.

“Native communities still experience the impact of historical traumas. To find healing and balance, we must teach our young people the ways of the medicine wheel and the cultural practices of wellness that help us feel balanced in a traumatic world. These lessons are critical for all students as a response to the crises in our nation,” said Diana Cournoyer, Executive Director of the National Indian Education Association.

The online curriculum includes classroom activities, an educator’s guide, and shareable PowerPoint presentations for elementary and middle school students. The program is available at operationprevention.com and on Discovery Education’s flexible K-12 learning platform.

“Research has shown the best way to prevent substance misuse is through intervention at a young age,” said Lori McFarling, Discovery Education’s president of corporate and community partnerships. “Experts also understand the important role educators play in preparing students to deal with difficult situations. This partnership by our three organizations – each with a unique perspective on our country’s opioid crisis – holds great promise for directing resources where they have tremendous potential to be effective.”

For more information about Discovery Education’s digital resources and professional learning services, visit http://www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Twitter and LinkedIn.

About the Drug Enforcement Administration

The mission of the Drug Enforcement Administration is to enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States and bring to the criminal and civil justice system of the United States, or any other competent jurisdiction, those organizations and principal members of organizations, involved in the growing, manufacture or distribution of controlled substances appearing in or destined for illicit traffic in the United States; and to recommend and support non-enforcement programs aimed at reducing the availability of illicit controlled substances on the domestic and international markets. The DEA encourages parents, along with their children, to educate themselves about the dangers of legal and illegal drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at justthinktwice.gov, getsmartaboutdrugs.gov and dea.gov.

About Discovery Education

Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-aligned digital curriculum resources, engaging content, and professional learning for K-12 classrooms. Through its award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia resources, and the largest professional learning network of its kind, Discovery Education is transforming teaching and learning, creating immersive STEM experiences, and improving academic achievement around the globe. Discovery Education currently serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 140 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Discovery, Inc., Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and like-minded organizations to empower teachers with customized solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at DiscoveryEducation.com.

About NIEA

The National Indian Education Association (NIEA) advances comprehensive, culture-based educational opportunities for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. NIEA was formed in 1970 by Native educators who were eager to find solutions to improve the education system for Native children. NIEA adheres to the organization’s founding principles: 1) to bring Native educators together to explore ways to improve schools and the schooling of native children; 2) to promote the maintenance and continued development of Native languages and cultures; and 3) to develop and implement strategies for influencing local, state, and federal policy and policy makers. NIEA is the leading advocate on issues impacting Native education. NIEA provides membership with information on scholarships, opportunities, events, policy, and federal and state news stories.