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Naloxone and Opiod Safety

Student safety and wellbeing are at the heart of the work we do in the Hillsboro School District.  This article shares important information about fentanyl and opioid drugs, which are harming people in our community. Below is information on how we will respond to suspected overdose in our schools; we hope this information will help protect students. 

Teen drug use has been decreasing over time. However, data shows that there has been an increase in overdoses, mainly due to illicit fentanyl in the drug market (NIDA, 2023). It is crucial to educate students and young people about substance use risks, including the potential of fentanyl in illicit pills and other substances. It is also important to raise awareness about opioid antagonists (such as naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan).

What is an opioid? Opioids come from the opium poppy plant and include drugs like morphine, oxycodone, dilaudid, heroin, and fentanyl. They attach to receptors to block pain and increase pleasure. Overdose is a common risk associated with opioids and can be intentional or accidental. Fentanyl is a powerful opioid: a dose as small as a few grains of sand can make a person stop breathing within minutes.

Why do people use opioids? Opioids may be prescribed as pain medicine. Some young people try drugs because they are curious. Some people use drugs to avoid feeling difficult emotions. Opioids are addictive.

What is an opioid antagonist? Opioid antagonists are medications (naloxone is the most commonly known opioid antagonist) that can be delivered by a nasal spray or injection to quickly restore normal breathing for a person whose breathing has slowed down or stopped because of an overdose of fentanyl, prescription opioids, or heroin. Naloxone onset occurs within 2-3 minutes and can last for 30-90 minutes. Sometimes a second dose of naloxone is necessary if symptoms of overdose return. Naloxone may be administered in emergency overdose situations and is safe for the person receiving the medication.

What can you do? Please talk about the dangers of fentanyl and availability of opioid agonists with your students and others you care about. Consider having naloxone available in your home for the quickest response during a medical emergency. Learn more about how to get naloxone and how to use it here: Opioid Overdose Reversal Medications.

What is HSD doing? The Hillsboro School District provides comprehensive drug and alcohol education aligned with the 2023 Oregon Health Education Standards. We also have trained staff in each building who can respond to medical emergencies. In addition, we hold substance abuse family awareness nights periodically throughout the year. Stay tuned to Hot News and our website for dates and details.

In alignment with school district policy JHCD/JHCDA, all schools in HSD stock naloxone and necessary medical supplies. Staff may administer naloxone to any person suspected of experiencing an opioid overdose. Anytime naloxone is administered, school staff will call 911 and notify the student’s parent or guardian.

We know these conversations can be hard. Please contact the main office at your child’s school if you have questions.