The opioid crisis is a national emergency that has touched communities across the country, including our own. As part of our commitment to the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and visitors, Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) has taken proactive measures to address this issue. Below, we outline our newly approved policy on administering Narcan in schools and the educational initiatives we've put in place.
Introduction of Policy JHCDN - Administering Medicines - Naloxone
On October 10, 2023, the Falls Church City School Board approved a crucial policy—JHCDN - Administering Medicines - Naloxone. This policy is a comprehensive guide that outlines how FCCPS is committed to preventing opiate-related overdose deaths by making Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, available in its schools.
What is Narcan?
Narcan is an opioid antagonist that works by displacing the opioid from the receptors in the brain, effectively reversing an opiate overdose. It has no euphoric properties and minimal side effects, making it a safe and effective emergency treatment.
Availability and Accessibility
Narcan is available in all FCCPS school buildings. It is stored in each school health clinic and alongside all division AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators). This ensures that the medication is easily accessible in emergency situations.
Who Can Administer Narcan?
Only trained school personnel and students who have completed an approved training program are authorized to administer Narcan. This training includes recognizing the signs of opioid-related overdoses, administering Narcan, and promptly seeking medical attention.
Student Access to Narcan
One of the unique aspects of our policy is that students who have completed an approved training program are permitted to administer Narcan on school grounds. We believe that empowering our students in this way contributes to a safer and more responsive community.
Training Programs
Before any FCCPS employee or student may administer Narcan, they must complete a comprehensive training program. This program covers recognizing opioid-related overdoses, administering Narcan, and promptly seeking medical attention for drug overdoses. A list of employees and students who have successfully completed this training is maintained and updated regularly.
Parental Notification and Community Outreach
We notify students and their parents of this policy annually through various channels, including electronic communications, the Parent and Student Information Handbook, and the FCCPS website. We also encourage students to report suspected drug overdoses immediately to ensure that medical assistance can be provided as quickly as possible.
Conclusion
The opioid crisis is a complex and multi-faceted issue that requires a community-wide response. At FCCPS, we are committed to doing our part by making Narcan available and educating our community about its use. We believe that these steps, although small in the grand scheme of things, can make a significant difference in saving lives.