The Torrington Board of Education has approved a policy that will allow Narcan at all of its six public schools.
Currently, at least eight public school districts in Connecticut have adopted similar policies in the wake of the opioid crisis. The potentially life-saving medication can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
”It’s just awful that we don’t stop or educate our kids before they become addicts before they start trying to do these things,” Torrington resident Kimberly Humphrey said.
”I think it’s a great idea because it’s going to save a life,” said Donna Lamanna, of Torrington.
Sara Osborne, the director of prevention at the McCall Center for Behavioral Health, has worked closely with several school districts in Litchfield County to implement their policies regarding Narcan.
”If the layperson is walking around able to carry Narcan, why aren’t we also having our nurses have access to it as well,” Osborne asked. “It just makes sense … especially with the change in policies now where anyone can get a prescription of Narcan. I think it’s definitely smart that we also have our school nurses have the Narcan as well.”
According to the interim superintendent of Torrington Public Schools, two doses of Narcan nasal spray will be available in September and all school nurses will be trained to administer the medication.
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“The policy was adopted in response to the nationwide epidemic. This is a preventive measure similar to having EpiPens and defibrillators available in the event of an emergency,” Sue Lobomski, the interim superintendent, said in a statement.
