Fayette County approves emergency overdose medication in schools

Nurses and other trained employees at Fayette County Public Schools will now be able to administer naloxone to students who may be experiencing an opioid overdose.

The drug, which is often known by the brand name Narcan, is used to block the life-threatening effects of opioid overdose, including suppressed breathing and loss of consciousness, until further medical assistance can be obtained. The amendment to the school system’s medication policy was unanimously approved at Monday’s Board of Education meeting.

Spokesperson Melinda Berry-Dreisbach said that grant funding has provided one dose of naloxone for each middle and high school, and school resource officers also carry a dose. She said the county is “looking for other grant opportunities to purchase naloxone for elementary schools.”