House Joint Resolution 749, sponsored by Representative Jones R, addresses the critical issue of substance abuse and the need for prevention education in Tennessee. The resolution highlights alarming statistics from the Tennessee Together Student Survey, indicating significant rates of substance misuse among students, including prescription drugs, vaping, and alcohol. It emphasizes the urgency of starting prevention education as early as kindergarten, given that a substantial portion of substance abuse begins in adolescence. The resolution advocates for comprehensive, evidence-based programs that integrate social-emotional learning, mental health support, and community resources to empower students and families.

The resolution calls for a commitment from the State of Tennessee to implement long-term intervention programs that follow students through their education, focusing on drug prevention, life skills training, and violence prevention. It underscores the economic benefits of prevention, noting that every dollar spent can save significantly in healthcare and criminal justice costs. Ultimately, the resolution seeks to reverse the growing rates of addiction in Tennessee and secure a healthier future for its citizens by prioritizing substance abuse prevention education in schools.