By Andrea Dermott | Point of View
Narcan, or naloxone, the nasal spray that works to reverse overdoses, may soon be available in the state’s public schools. Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne has expressed his commitment to having it on every campus. This initiative is not just timely, it’s essential.
Data from the Arizona Child Fatality Review Program collected in 2021 and 2022 show that 80 children died from overdoses, with seven of these deaths involving middle schoolers and at least four occurring at schools.
The School Training Overdose Preparedness and Intelligence Taskforce (STOPIT), comprising educators, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement officers, will manage the logistics of stocking schools with Narcan and educating students about its use.
Importance of educating youth on substance abuse
The rise in fentanyl-related deaths and overdoses among school-aged children in Arizona is alarming. In 2023 alone, more than 1,800 opioid-related deaths and over 4,000 overdoses were recorded statewide. These statistics highlight the urgent need for educational programs that can inform and protect our youth from the dangers of substance abuse.
Education is the first line of defense against the threat fentanyl poses to Arizona’s youth. By integrating comprehensive drug awareness materials into school curriculums, we can arm students with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Understanding the risks associated with drug use, particularly the lethal threat posed by fentanyl, can deter experimentation and encourage healthier choices.
How to use Narcan and where to find it
Narcan is a life-saving medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses. Its ease of use makes it an invaluable tool in emergency situations. Here’s a simple guide on how to use Narcan:
- Recognize the Signs: Symptoms of an opioid overdose include unresponsiveness, slow or shallow breathing, blue lips or fingertips, and pinpoint pupils.
- Administer Narcan: Narcan is typically available as a nasal spray. Insert the nozzle into one nostril and press the plunger firmly to release the dose.
- Call 911: Always seek emergency medical help immediately after administering Narcan, as its effects are temporary, and professional medical intervention is necessary.
- Monitor and Support: After administering Narcan, stay with the individual and monitor their condition until help arrives. Additional doses may be needed if the person does not respond within 2-3 minutes.
Recognize the Signs: Symptoms of an opioid overdose include unresponsiveness, slow or shallow breathing, blue lips or fingertips, and pinpoint pupils.
Administer Narcan: Narcan is typically available as a nasal spray. Insert the nozzle into one nostril and press the plunger firmly to release the dose.
Call 911: Always seek emergency medical help immediately after administering Narcan, as its effects are temporary, and professional medical intervention is necessary.
Monitor and Support: After administering Narcan, stay with the individual and monitor their condition until help arrives. Additional doses may be needed if the person does not respond within 2-3 minutes.
Editor’s Note: Andrea Dermott is the director of business development at Scottsdale Recovery Center
