High School Students Nationwide Carry Life-Saving Narcan Amid Opioid Crisis
The opioid crisis continues to devastate communities across the United States, and the impact is being felt in schools as well. In response, high school students in various parts of the country, including Arlington, have taken matters into their own hands by carrying a life-saving medication called Narcan.
Narcan, also known as naloxone, is an opioid overdose reversal drug. With opioids, including the powerful synthetic fentanyl, wreaking havoc across the nation, these students understand the importance of being prepared to save lives. Jackson Danzig, a 17-year-old student from Arlington, along with his classmate Marin Peale, has spearheaded naloxone training for their classmates. They want to ensure that everyone is equipped to respond in an overdose situation.
Their efforts are not in vain. Last year, police responded to at least seven suspected overdoses in Arlington Public Schools, with one student losing their life. These incidents are unfortunately not isolated, as the entire country has witnessed a record number of drug overdose deaths in recent years. Between March 2022 and March 2023, there were approximately 110,000 drug overdose deaths, with fentanyl accounting for two-thirds of them, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Shockingly, overdose deaths among teenagers increased by 94% from 2019 to 2020, largely due to the widespread availability of illicitly manufactured fentanyls and the ease of purchasing pills through social media.
However, the increasing access to naloxone among high schoolers has drawn some criticism, with some parents viewing it as an endorsement of risky drug use. It is worth noting that there are differing opinions on drug policy strategies across the country. Some cities have faced scrutiny for decriminalizing drug offenses, leading to the proliferation of open-air drug markets and a surge in overdoses. On the other hand, some states have opted for harsher drug laws, even designating fentanyl as a weapon of terrorism.
Despite these differences, there is broad support for naloxone across the political spectrum. Keith Humphreys, a drug policy expert at Stanford University, believes that naloxone access in schools is a victory for public health. In Arlington, school policies and state laws banning drugs remain in place, and students must receive proper training on how to use naloxone and obtain parental permission. Darrell Sampson, the APS executive director of student services, emphasizes that the implementation of naloxone access in schools originated from the students themselves, who wanted to support their peers. It is an additional measure alongside existing drug education efforts, staff training on naloxone use, and the presence of emergency naloxone boxes throughout middle and high schools.
While increasing naloxone access is undoubtedly crucial in preventing overdose deaths, it is just one piece of the puzzle. Humphreys emphasizes the need for broader investments in children’s mental health, emotional management, and healthy relationship building. Additionally, it is essential to tackle addiction itself, which requires substantial public funding. Merely reducing overdose deaths is not enough; comprehensive solutions are imperative.
As for Danzig and Peale, they started carrying naloxone even before it was officially allowed by their school’s policy, driven by their determination to do the right thing. Now, carrying naloxone has become commonplace for them and their peers, ensuring they are always prepared to save a life in case of an emergency.
In the face of the opioid crisis, the actions of these high school students offer a glimmer of hope. By prioritizing the well-being of their fellow students and taking proactive measures through naloxone training and carrying the life-saving drug, they are making a positive impact in their schools and communities. It is a testament to the resilience and empathy of young people who refuse to let their surroundings be defined by tragedy but strive to create a safer and healthier future for all.
