Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) demonstrated Narcan use at Wootton High School on Tuesday to raise awareness about fentanyl-related overdoses.
Narcan is a medicine that counteracts an opioid overdose. In the past two months, there were three fentanyl-related overdoses in schools that required Narcan, according to Mark Hodge, Senior Administrator for School Health Services with the county’s Department of Health and Human Services. The students survived and were sent to a hospital via ambulance. He said the county has been seeing increases in overdoses and Narcan use across all ages since 2019.
The school system and county want to make families aware of the problem so they can talk within their families about the risks and how to act.
The rise in overdoses is not unique to Montgomery County and is happening in school districts regionally and nationwide, said MCPS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patricia Kapunan. She said Narcan is available in all schools, including elementary schools. Training is available for all staff with special training for administrators and nurses.
In a letter to MCPS families last week, Kapunan said families should strongly consider having Narcan at home. County residents can access the medicine and training for free. To access free Narcan, she advises residents to call Harm Reduction Services at 240-777-1836. She said more than 70% of all overdoses in Montgomery County last year were fentanyl-related.
Speakers said Narcan is a temporary solution. If a person believes someone has overdosed, the first step is to call 911.
If someone thinks their child or family member is using opiates or other drugs, the Montgomery County Crisis Center can make referrals to the county’s substance use programs. There are also private providers who do substance use counseling.
Narcan demonstration at Wootton High School. @mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/RUUNVWbMpj
— Maryam Shahzad (@maryam_mcm) December 13, 2022
