Narcan Available for Students Returning to School - Life-Saving Policy Changes All Parents Must Know
Gone are the days when the only life-saving tool for students at school was the EpiPen at the nurses’ office. Narcan for students is vital to have on hand, and recent incidents show having naloxone available can save students’ lives and prepare teachers for the worst.
But, can parents depend on their schools to stay prepared in case their children suffer from an overdose? While some schools might now be stocking up on this opioid antagonist, the stigma surrounding opioid use might still hinder some schools and faculty from fully embracing the life-saving nature of Narcan.
California Leads the Way In Naloxone Availability for Students
The good news is that many states are now encouraging and even creating policies to ensure naloxone, Narcan, and other opioid antagonists are stocked and ready to be used for children at school. California is, in fact, one of the best examples of states taking the initiative to save lives, with policies helping college, middle school, and high school students.
The Campus Opioid Safety Act for College Students
The Campus Opioid Safety Act was signed into law in January of 2023. This law requires all public college campuses in the state to provide educational and preventive information about opioid overdose to all students on campus as part of their orientation and to distribute a federally-approved opioid overdose reversal medication like Narcan or other naloxone.
Budgeting for High School and Middle School Students
California’s Governor Newsom’s proposed 2023–24 state budget also included $3.5 million to purchase naloxone for every middle and high school in the state. While millions in funding might seem incredibly steep for this medication, the life-saving effects of these policies are already being seen.
In San Fransisco, East Bay High School was one of several schools with naloxone on hand after the School District ordered 144 units to be placed strategically around several schools. The result - a school nurse trained to administer Narcan saved the life of a student suffering from an opioid overdose in April of this year.
As of March 2023, Los Angeles also allows students to carry their own Narcan in schools. With Los Angeles Unified School District standing as the second-largest school district in the Nation, only time will tell if their decision to allow students access to Naloxone and Narcan will influence other districts to follow suit.
Hesitations Perists Due to Opioid Stigma
With these inspirational stories and changes becoming more common in schools, one would think that states, including California, would readily implement a 100% availability policy for students. Unfortunately, even California has its issues, with a recent report from CalMatters finding that some college students still struggle with finding Narcan despite the Campus Opioid Safety Act.
Some of the many myths that might prevent schools from carrying Narcan include issues such as:
- Carrying Narcan means we are a bad school
- Allowing opioid-reversal drugs only encourages use among students
- Narcan is only necessary in schools with high drug activity.
These hesitations and stigmas are often perpetuated by a lack of education and understanding about opioids and addiction. In reality, carrying Narcan does not make a school "bad" – it shows that the school is proactive in protecting its students' health and well-being. Furthermore, having Narcan for students readily available does not encourage drug use – it simply provides a safety net for those who may accidentally or intentionally overdose.
It's also important to note that opioid overdoses can occur anywhere, regardless of the level of drug activity in a school. With the rise of prescription opioid abuse, even schools with no history of drug activity should still consider carrying naloxone.
Narcan Availability in States
States are rapidly evolving their policies to encourage and even legally require various insurers, institutions, and schools to carry naloxone. According to the January 2023 Naloxone Access Summary of State Laws by the Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association:
- Thirty states have statutory language regarding access to naloxone in schools.
- Ten of these states require each school district to develop a policy concerning the use of naloxone
- Twenty states allow schools to possess naloxone and authorize a school nurse or other school employee to administer naloxone but do not require schools to do so.
- States including Maine, Nevada, Iowa, and New York, allow schools to possess and keep naloxone on the premises
- Maryland, Washington, Wisconsin, and now California, have laws that address primary and secondary schools as well as higher education.
Stay Informed and Prepared During Back to School
As parents, it's also vital that we stay informed and educated on state laws, where to access Narcan for students, and how to recognize the signs of opioid overdose. Familiarize yourself with your state's laws regarding naloxone in schools. Find out if your child's school has a policy for administering naloxone.
Parents should also talk to their children about the dangers of prescription opioid abuse and how Narcan for students can save lives. If you haven’t already, consider purchasing a Narcan nasal spray or other form of naloxone for you or your child. Even carrying it with you when attending school events or activities with students present might prove to be a life-saving decision.
Find Narcan Near You
If you need help finding Narcan for students, for your child, or for yourself, use our search tool today! Narcan Finder provides the latest information on harm reduction sites, addiction centers, and other sites near you to help you get access to life-saving naloxone. It's easy to use our search tool to help you stay prepared for the upcoming school year and might be the difference between life and death.