The Santa Barbara school board had a meeting on October 25, where they discussed Narcan, or Naxolone as it’s formally known. During the board meeting the board approved the use of Narcan in schools, and the distribution and training teachers. Narcan is an opioid antagonist, which means it is a type of drug that binds to opioid receptors and can reverse or block the effects of opioids.
Wendy Sims-Moten, Vice President of the school board, gave her opinion on Narcan being in schools.
“It is with a heavy heart that we have to have this at this time in our schools.” She followed this statement by explaining further on how she feels about these being in school. “And it’s just the thing because nothing is lost, I think it’s part of reimagining our safety both mentally and physically.”
Student Board Member Kavya Suresh said that Narcan gives her hope in that it could help people suffering from opioid overdoses.
“I think taking a stance against drug abuse is also providing for those who are suffering from it. And I’m hopeful that this next step will save a lot of lives and save a lot of future for our students.” She further believes that it’s important to spread awareness about Narcan and destigmatize being alone and without help. “I think that’s super important and I’m hopeful that this will be another measure in protecting the safety of all of our students.”
Nurses and administrators will be trained on how to apply Narcan to people who are experiencing an opioid overdose. This will be done to prevent death due to opioid overdoses. Narcan is not administered by pill or needle, but rather through a nasal spray. Narcan is used by first responders and requires no special training or certification to administer.
Using Narcan on a person unaffected by opioids will not harm them, “Naloxone is not a controlled substance and cannot be misused,” said Gauchos for Recovery.