The Biden administration recommended that schools keep naloxone (Narcan), the drug that reverses opioid overdoses, on hand. In a joint letter addressed to teachers on Monday, Rahul Gupta, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and Miguel Cardona, Secretary of Education, made the recommendation.
In the letter, they indicated that President Joe Biden is working to fight against illicit fentanyl. However, they acknowledged that the number of overdose deaths among young people remains high. "Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is so potent even a tiny amount can be fatal. As you have seen in your schools and communities, the rise of illicit fentanyl and its trafficking via social media is having a disproportionate impact on our children," said Gupta and Cardona.
Letter to Schools by Williams Perdomo on Scribd
They stated, "We want to share resources that could help your school and community prevent drug use before it begins and keep students alive long enough to get the help they need in the event of an overdose or poisoning."
"Individuals should not be afraid to administer naloxone"
In addition, they assured that individuals "should not be afraid to administer naloxone." "Studies show that naloxone access can reduce overdose death rates, that its availability does not lead to increases in youth drug use, and that it causes no harm if used on a person who is not overdosing on opioids."
The Biden-Harris Administration has taken a number of steps to improve access to naloxone. Last month, naloxone nasal spray became available for over-the-counter purchase by any person, without medical training required. It will be important for your schools to take advantage of this opportunity, and to encourage families to have naloxone at home.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of naloxone without a prescription earlier this year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose of opioids - including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications. Naloxone is safe and easy to use and small to carry."
In states like California, some laws have already been passed - such as the Good Samaritan Law - which protects those who administer medication to someone who is suffering from an episode of opioid overdose. "It is the intent of the Legislature to encourage other individuals to volunteer, without compensation, to assist others in need during an emergency, while ensuring that those volunteers who provide care or assistance act responsibly," the law explains.
