To combat fentanyl-related overdose deaths and comply with new state legislation, Narcan is now available at our elementary and middle schools. Our high schools have had this medication available for several years. School nurses, as well as identified staff, have received training on how to identify and respond to potential overdose situations.
King County has seen an increase in overdose-associated deaths from pills and powders containing fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is stronger than other opioids such as heroin and morphine. Drugs that look like prescription pills can be laced with fentanyl, and users may be exposed to lethal doses without their knowledge.
One component of district response to increased community concerns will be to ensure Narcan (naloxone) is available at elementary, middle and high school sites for opioid-related overdose response. Narcan is a medication that counteracts the effects of opioid overdose. High school sites throughout the district have had Narcan available for opioid-related overdose response for the past three years.
According to Washington State Senate Bill 5804, all school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools must obtain and maintain at least one set of opioid overdose reversal medication doses in each of the public schools. School districts must also adopt an opioid-related overdose policy by September 1, 2024. Highline established a policy and procedure in 2020.
Narcan is one of many tools in response to opioid-related concerns. Continued education and discussion around opioid use is important to support all aspects of student health and safety. We recognize that there is much work to do in addressing drug- and alcohol-related concerns. Additional information can be referenced from Public Health. Below are links to resources when discussing fentanyl and drug concerns with youth that may help facilitate conversation regarding prevention, laws, and response to overdose.