Saving Lives or Normalizing Drug Use? Texas Schools Begin Stocking Narcan

Schools across Texas are increasingly stocking up on naloxone (Narcan) to counteract the rise in opioid overdoses, fueled primarily by the spread of fentanyl. Senate Bill 629, passed during the 2023 legislative session, mandates that all middle and high schools in Texas carry naloxone and have trained personnel ready to administer it.

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Growing Need for Naloxone in Schools

Since 2022, 15 students across El Paso’s three largest school districts have been administered naloxone for suspected opioid overdoses, with some cases involving children as young as 13. The El Paso, Socorro, and Ysleta school districts have gone beyond the state’s requirements by also equipping their elementary schools with naloxone. This measure isn’t limited to students—staff and visitors are also considered at risk.

Policy and Training

Texas law requires schools to develop policies on storing, administering, and disposing of naloxone, as well as ensuring that at least one staff member is trained in its use at all times. For example, Ysleta Independent School District has partnered with the nonprofit Aliviane to train staff and has integrated naloxone training into its annual employee education program starting in the 2024-25 school year.

Data on Overdoses and Responses

In the 2023-24 school year alone, seven El Paso students were given naloxone, including three middle school students. Prior to widespread naloxone availability, overdose responses were limited to waiting for emergency medical services. Naloxone can temporarily reverse opioid overdoses, giving first responders critical time to intervene.

Despite these efforts, naloxone may not always be effective if the overdose is due to a non-opioid substance. Nevertheless, experts emphasize that administering naloxone remains the best course of action if an opioid overdose is suspected, as early intervention is crucial in preventing brain damage due to lack of oxygen.