Narcan now being carried in schools
(KBSI)- About 22% of American students say they’ve been offered, sold, or given illegal drugs on school premises.
It’s because of this that many school districts are requiring that teachers know what to do in the event of an overdose.
U.S. drug overdose deaths increased 30% according to the CDC, proving that the opioid epidemic in children is far from over.
The Illinois Department of Public health passed a standing order on January 1, 2024, that requires all Illinois to carry Naloxone and know how to administer it.
According to the CDC overdoses in children are on a steady rise. From 2019 to 2021 more than 1800 children died from overdoses. Deputy of policy planning for the Illinois Department of Health Jenny Epstein says making sure naloxone is readily available at schools is a step in the right direction.
“This medication it saves lives its a safe medication, it does not pose a safety concern and its one of the many safe tools that we have to prevent avoidable and tragic death.”
Illinois isn’t the only state who has started carrying naloxone in their schools. Although there’s no standing order for it in Missouri, Sikeston school resource officer Tyler Rowe says many Missouri schools have it on hand and have been trained on how to administer it.
“I think the opioid epidemic stems across all ages and demographics. It’s something to really be cognitive of in today’s day and age.”
90%of adults struggling with opioid addiction say they began using before the age of 18.
Rowe says if you suspect something is happening at school you should always report it.
To find out how to use or where to buy naloxone go here.
