An Evaluation of Emily's Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum Among Early Elementary School Students: Preliminary...

Substance use is a major cause of preventable morbidity and mortality, and national data show that many adolescents initiate use by middle school. Earlier prevention is critical, yet traditional approaches. There is growing recognition of the need for school-based strategies that are interactive, developmentally appropriate, and culturally relevant to promote healthy decision-making from an early age.

An age-appropriate substance use prevention curriculum targeted at early elementary school students (KG, 1st and 2nd grades) was developed by a multidisciplinary educational committee. The curriculum was administered to 662 early elementary students in 16 school districts in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa over the 2023-2024 school year.

All grades displayed statistically significant gains in awareness about body systems as measured by postcurriculum survey responses. Early elementary school students demonstrated an increased understanding of brain function, physical health, emotional regulation, and medication safety.

This study highlights that a well-structured substance use prevention curriculum can promote early elementary school students' understanding about personal health, brain function, and safe medication use.