Loudoun County Schools are considering allowing students to carry Narcan, the overdose antidote, following a series of overdoses at Park View High School last fall. The district faced scrutiny for delays in notifying parents and students about the incidents. A draft policy to permit students 16 and older to carry Narcan if trained was discussed at a recent school board meeting, with some concerns raised about potential impacts on drug use behavior. LCPS confirmed that staff members are trained to administer naloxone and all School Resource Officers carry it as well.
Michelle Mege, an LCPS parent, supported the idea of student access to Narcan as a potentially life-saving measure. Other nearby districts, such as Montgomery County Public Schools, Fairfax County Public Schools, Arlington, and Prince George’s County Public Schools, have already implemented similar policies allowing students and staff to carry Narcan. LCPS’ draft policy is set to be further discussed at a meeting in September.
In response to the rise in juvenile overdoses, government officials and school districts are taking proactive measures to equip individuals with Narcan and provide training on its administration. The goal is to ensure quick and effective response in the event of an overdose, potentially saving lives. Discussions and decisions on policies regarding Narcan in schools are ongoing as communities work to address the opioid crisis.
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