New law would require schools to carry narcan
By News Staff
A new bill proposed in Rhode Island would require public schools to carry narcan kits.
Representative David A. Bennett introduced legislation for schools teaching grades 6-12 to be equipped with kits that treat opioid overdoses.
Rep. Bennett, who is also a psychiatric nurse, said that in light of the recent overdose epidemic, it makes sense to make the kits available to school nurses or other faculty who can easily administer it.
“Unfortunately, teens are not immune to the overdose epidemic, and this is a step we can take to save lives. Equipping schools with Narcan could also save others, such as parents or anyone else who happens to come on or near school property and has a problem. There could be a situation where a person who has nothing to do with the school happens to be on school grounds before or after school, just because it’s a public, accessible place. It doesn’t really matter who or why. As places where a lot of teens and adults are, and where nurses are available, I think schools ought to have this simple tool on hand because it will save lives,” said Representative Bennett.
Many first responders in the community are already equipped with the kits, but having them on school grounds could mean a saved life.
Rep. Bennett has been working with teachers and nurses to ensure the proposed legislation is satisfactory in terms of existing contracts and regulations.
© WLNE-TV 2015
