Rochester Public Schools approves naloxone in buildings

Rochester Public Schools (RPS) is looking to protect its students and staff members against future drug overdoses. At the most recent school board meeting, the board approved a plan that would allow schools to have naloxone available in the event of an opioid overdose in a school building. The school board decision was decided on Tues. Oct. 18th.

RPS says the decision to implement naloxone in the high schools at this time was made in response to an increase in suspected overdoses this school year. Since the increase, school staff members have indicated they would have used the medication if it had been available to them. The new policy requires all teachers and staff to be trained on how to administer naloxone.

SRHN Executive Director, Alicia House, had the opportunity to talk to a few Rochester media outlets about the importance of this policy.

House says “Rochester is one of just dozens of schools in the past year that have made implementations like this in their districts. If you think “Well, we haven’t had that happen at our school or this isn’t an issue in our community.” The truth is you don’t want to wait to find out. So the alternative is just making sure that you have it and you’re aware and then if you don’t have to use it, great. But you definitely don’t want to look back in hindsight and wish that you had.”

See the links below to watch the stories.

KAALTV – Rochester Public School’s to have anti-overdose medication in district high schools

KTTC – Rochester Public Schools approves naloxone in buildings

KIMT – Rochester Public Schools approves stocking Narcan