Stocked Naloxone/Narcan
There has been a rising rate of overdoses among youth. This is primarily driven by the presence of opioids being mixed unknowingly into other illicit drugs. These overdoses can be accidental or intentional, putting students at risk.
The purpose of Narcan/Naloxone in schools is to provide immediate, life-saving intervention for opioid overdoses. As the opioid epidemic has affected young people at alarming rates, Billings Public Schools has recognized the need to be prepared for this public health emergency. Rapid response is critical. In an opioid overdose, a person's breathing can slow or stop, leading to brain damage or death within minutes. The sooner Narcan is administered, the greater the chance of a positive outcome.
In 2021 Billings Public Schools, in order to improve student safety, developed a protocol to stock Narcan in accordance with MCA § 20-5-426. This law allows Narcan to be administered by a BPS Registered Nurse or other trained personnel to any student or non-student as needed for actual or perceived overdose.
In accordance with the law, a BPS Registered Nurse will provide training every 2 years to all designated personnel authorized to administer Narcan. The training includes the following: causes of opioid overdose, recognition of signs and symptoms of opioid overdose, indications for the administration of Narcan, administration technique, and the need for immediate access to a certified emergency responder.