'We had to do something': Rain’s Law signed to bring fentanyl education to Oklahoma schools

'We had to do something': Rain’s Law signed to bring fentanyl education to Oklahoma schools

Rain’s Law, named after a 19-year-old who died from a fentanyl overdose, will require fentanyl education and suicide prevention in Oklahoma public schools for grades six through 12.

Rain’s Law, named after a 19-year-old who died from a fentanyl overdose, will require fentanyl education and suicide prevention in Oklahoma public schools for grades six through 12.

Gov. Kevin Stitt held a ceremonial signing Tuesday at the Oklahoma state Capitol to celebrate new legislation passed this year, including Rain’s Law, which will introduce fentanyl education and suicide prevention in Oklahoma public schools.

Karla Carlock, along with other parents who have lost children, attended the event, sharing their hope that the new law will prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak.

“When I realized the sheer amount of people who have lost their lives, I knew we had to do something to help prevent this from happening to other families,” Carlock said.

Rain’s Law is named after Rain Reece, a 19-year-old Cameron University student who died in 2023 from an accidental overdose after taking a Xanax pill laced with fentanyl.

“We found out that night she googled what does a generic Xanax look like. I just kind of lost it,” Carlock said.

>> Video Below: Oklahoma Senate passes ‘Rain’s Law,' inspired by teen's fentanyl-related death

The law, passed earlier this year, mandates fentanyl education and suicide prevention for students in grades six through 12 in Oklahoma public schools.

“This law allows every school to open up and hear about fentanyl education. So, now Oklahoma will rank No. 1 this school year in education for fentanyl awareness,” Carlock said.

For Carlock, the law cannot bring her daughter back, but she believes it allows Rain to continue making an impact.

“I told Rain she was going to be a good teacher one day, and this is the only way she’ll ever get to teach,” Carlock said.

Greg Swan, another parent who lost a child to fentanyl, said one way they hope to reach students is through testimonial videos, sharing the stories of the children they lost with classrooms across Oklahoma.

>> Video Below: Oklahoma father advocates for 'Leo's Law' after son's fentanyl overdose