Last month Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) announced new guidance when responding to medical emergencies in schools for suspected opioid overdoses. The new regulation includes detailed guidance on naloxone (also known by its brand name, Narcan), its use, and access in MCPS schools. Narcan is a potentially life-saving medication that temporarily reverses the effects due to an opioid overdose. The new guidance allows students to carry Narcan in schools and during school-sponsored activities without fear of disciplinary action. Students should continue to seek assistance from school or health room staff in the event of a medical emergency on campus.
This action is part of a series of efforts the school system is undertaking to combat the rise in youth overdose cases across the county. The new guidance allows students to carry Narcan in schools and during school-sponsored activities without fear of disciplinary action. Students should continue to seek assistance from school or health room staff in the event of a medical emergency on campus.
Each school has emergency action plans in place that address medical emergencies, which include the administration of Narcan by school nurses or other trained personnel in the event of a suspected opioid overdose. The new guidance provides greater detail about Narcan training, storage and administration by school personnel. Though every MCPS school has maintained a Narcan supply since the 2018-2019 school year, with the increase in opioid-related events in youth, MCPS has increased the number of doses stored in middle and high schools, and identified additional individuals in schools for hands-on training.
As the majority of youth overdoses occur off school grounds, MCPS and county public health and safety agencies continue to stress the importance of increasing awareness and offering training and resources to youth and community members.
Courtesy of MCPS
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