PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast (BGCS) is addressing the opioid crisis and expanding its prevention program.

BGCS is taking its lifesaving initiative into Pinellas County middle schools.

“Looking at the kids that are most impressionable, we looked at middle school students so we can catch them at that age so they can make good informed decisions going forward and not hopefully go down a bad path,” said Mandy Taylor, chief operating officer of BGCS.

The program works to teach kids how to resist opioids and how to respond in drug-related emergencies.

“Opioids are constantly shifting and changing and being able to give them that information that it can happen, you can die just from one dose or they have tried it, how are they going to get out on the other end safely?” said Niki Evans, director of specialized programs for BGCS.

Exercises include teens writing letters to their future selves. Evans says setting goals can help build confidence and impact the decision-making process.

“We really want to make sure that we’re supporting the students emotionally,” said Evans.

While Evans makes sure teens have that safe space, the same goes for her as she shares the recent loss of a loved one.

“I had a family member very close to me, my brother who was an addict from a very young age,” said Evans.

To help other families, Evans wants to make sure information about drugs gets to the younger generation, whether it’s in a Boys & Girls Club or in a classroom.

“They leave with the confidence to know that they are strong enough to manage situations and it is OK to ask for help and support,” said Evans, who says she hopes the conversations continue.