The L.A. Trust supports LAUSD Narcan policy update

Overdose deaths in the United States have skyrocketed in recent years, fueled in large part by an exponential rise in synthetic opioid use, primarily fentanyl. In 2016 the National Institute of Health reported fentanyl as the number one killer in overdoses, with about 20,000 deaths. Five years later in 2021, that number rose to almost 70,000 overdose deaths. With the nation seeking answers, headlines report students overdosing in Los Angeles schools, including a 15-year-old who passed on in a Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) school bathroom.

In response to this crisis, the LAUSD announced that schools will be provided with naloxone, a nasal spray that can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The district is providing Narcan, a brand name for naloxone, and has trained staff on its proper administration. As part of this ongoing effort, LAUSD also announced plans to update its policy permitting students to carry Narcan. This step will ensure the safety and well-being of at-risk students and demonstrates the district's proactive, compassionate, and practical response to the opioid crisis.

The LAUSD Narcan student policy update received enthusiastic support from numerous student advocacy organizations, including The Los Angeles Trust for Children's Health (The L.A. Trust), Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, UCLA Health, Azusa Pacific University, and Youth Health Services. The L.A. Trust was proud to be a part of the coalition that called for district-wide access to Narcan. As a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of students in the district, The L.A. Trust sees Narcan access and availability as another tool to keep our students safe, preventing overdoses and saving lives.

Used correctly, Narcan blocks the brain receptors that respond to opioids like heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl. Administered as a nasal mist, Narcan reverses the symptoms of an overdose such as shallow breathing, slowed heart rate or unresponsiveness, and can help stabilize the user until medical personnel arrive on the scene.

The L.A. County Department of Public Health also added their voice to the calls for Narcan, strengthening the coalition’s shared cause and ultimately shaping policy. LAUSD Chief Medical Director Dr. Malhotra said, “Collaboration among these organizations proved to be more effective than going alone, and we are grateful for each other's backup. Overall, the efforts of these outside influences were crucial in shaping this Narcan policy update.”

While having Narcan readily available in schools can mean the difference between life and death, some individuals have opposed its use in schools due to concerns it would encourage student drug use. However, research has shown that Narcan does not lead to an increase in drug abuse. In fact, some studies have shown that the use of Narcan can reduce opioid abuse. In addition, Narcan can cause opioid withdrawal symptoms, which is an effective abuse deterrent.

It is important to remember that Narcan is not a cure for opioid addiction, and nothing can replace comprehensive addiction treatment and support to address its root cause. Having Narcan readily available can, however, be a critical step in saving lives.

We must continue working together to protect young people from further losses caused by the opioid epidemic. Advocacy efforts like ours and the subsequent policy changes, such as this one taken by LAUSD, are critical to providing potentially life-saving treatment, in which every second counts. It is inspiring to see such collaboration among dedicated individuals and groups who are passionate about improving student health and safety in our schools.