Naloxone (Narcan®) Saves Lives

What Families Should Know About Naloxone in Schools:

Many schools in Washington are now keeping a supply of naloxone onsite. Washington law requires school districts with 2,000 students or more to have at least one set of opioid overdose reversal medication doses (naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan®) in each of their high schools. Smaller school districts can also choose to have naloxone in their schools.

Naloxone is a safe and effective medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, including fentanyl overdose. While overdose events are rare in schools, schools should prepare to recognize and respond to an overdose the way they prepare for other medical emergencies.

Prevent Overdoses at Any Age

There is no age limit for receiving naloxone. Naloxone is an extremely safe medication that can be given to anyone, regardless of age, in the case of a suspected opioid overdose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration do not have age limits on who may receive naloxone.

Naloxone has no other action if opioids are not in the system. As the American Academy of Pediatrics’ parent information website HealthyChildren.org states, “There is virtually no downside to giving naloxone to a child or teen, even if you are not sure if they overdosed on opioids.”

Order two Naloxone kits through ESD 123

All public high schools, alternative high schools, and specialized programs can request two kits of intranasal naloxone (containing two doses per kit) through their ESD. 

Private schools and any schools seeking additional naloxone doses:

While this program serves public high schools and alternative schools, other resources can help you supply naloxone at your school:

• Schools and libraries can request Narcan® (one formulation of nasal naloxone) from the Narcan Community Donation Program run by Direct Relief and Emergent Biosolutions.
• Narcan is now available to purchase over the counter and at many retail pharmacies (e.g., Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid). For more information about over-the counter naloxone, please visit Over the Counter Naloxone FAQ.
• To purchase Narcan directly from the manufacturer, visit NARCANDirect.com. Schools may qualify to purchase Narcan Nasal Spray directly from Emergent Devices at the public interest price (currently $41/two-dose kit).
• Organizations may also be able to purchase naloxone from medical distributors, such as Cardinal Health and McKesson.

How to Use Naloxone:

Visit the CDC’s website for text and video instructions on how to use naloxone. 
For more information download Washington State Department of Health's Naloxone in High Schools Partner letter here.

To order your kits or if you have questions contact: 

Angie Fry, Regional Public Health Coordinator.
Ph: 509.975.6891 | [email protected]

Shelby Jensen, Safety Center Coordinator.
Ph: 509.316.6774 ext.5764 | [email protected]