Visalia Unified School District is taking steps to combat the growing national fentanyl epidemic.
The district announced this week that it has acquired Narcan for every school.
Narcan is a nasal spray that is designed to reverse the spread effects of an opioid overdose in minutes.
“We know that the answer to fighting fentanyl and other drugs are positive relationships with students,” Superintendent Kirk Shrum said in a statement.
“Our school board made it a point to provide each of our 42 schools with a counselor, so students have someone to turn to, in addition to the countless adults on campus who care for their safety and well-being.”
School custodians are in the process of installing the Narcan units this week.
The district said the units are strategically placed near the AED units and nurse offices on campuses.
The Narcan order was processed and received during Thanksgiving break.
“Nurses are ready to act if the need ever arises,” the district said in a statement. “Each school site will be stocked with two doses of the medication. Additionally, all youth service officers and emergency medical services personnel carry Narcan. All school health employees and administrators will be trained on the proper use of Narcan.”
Visalia Unified is also encouraging parents to have conversations with their children about the dangers of fentanyl and other opioids.
