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Included as part of the 2015-16 state budget, $272,000 will be used to offer training for school nurses and other personnel in the state’s approximately 3,000 school districts.
Those who complete the training will receive naloxone kits for their schools. While naloxone kits and training have been available to school personnel under Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s “Combat Heroin” campaign, this funding is specifically earmarked for schools.
When administered, naloxone can reverse the effects of an overdose by temporarily blocking the effects of the opioid, whether illicit or prescription, allowing the individual to regain consciousness and resume normal breathing. It poses no danger to persons who otherwise might come into contact with it and it is not the kind of medication that can be abused.
Final regulations establishing the program’s execution are currently being drafted in conjunction with the State Education Department. The training is expected to be similar to what is already in use for training first responders and community members.
“By making this investment to provide naloxone kits and training for schools, we are continuing to save lives in the fight against opioid use and addiction,” said Cuomo.
“This is an epidemic that disproportionately impacts young New Yorkers and has caused far too much needless tragedy in every corner of the state. This funding will go a long way toward saving young lives, and I am proud to have included it in this year’s Budget.”
There are currently more than 45,000 first responders and community members trained in the use of naloxone when an opioid overdose occurs, and more than 500 lives have been saved in the last year.
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