Calls for Narcan to be available at all US schools were renewed following the tragic death of a 13-year-old Hartford student last week.
Authorities said that the teen collapsed on Jan. 13 in the gymnasium of his school and despite having the opioid antidote naloxone on hand, the school nurse and first responders didn’t immediately suspect a fentanyl overdose.
The student died days later and his preventable death sparked calls for schools to stock naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, and train teachers, nurses, and staff to identify opioid overdoses and quickly administer the antidote.
“Naloxone should be available in all schools, and there should be education on signs and symptoms of an overdose and how to use this,” Dr. Craig Allen said.
“Unfortunately, a horrible incident like this happens and suddenly everyone’s vision is 20/20.”
“This tragedy is unbearable,” Ethan’s Run Against Addiction Advocacy Group said. “Our nation’s opioid crisis has reached into the lives of children, into places where we want to assume that they are safe.”
“ALL public places, including schools, must have Narcan available. We need to educate kids on how to recognize someone who is overdosing and how to use Narcan.”
