NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee students are now allowed to equip themselves with a lifesaving tool while in school in the fight against the opioid epidemic.
A new state law, which went into effect with Gov. Bill Lee's signature, allows students, staff, and visitors to carry the overdose-reversing drug, naloxone in school.
"We're all aware that the opioid epidemic is running rampant," the bill's sponsor, Rep. Charlie Baum, (R-Murfreesboro) said. "We have fentanyl coming in through our southern border, and this has affected a number of Americans, including teenagers and students in our schools."
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News 2 has covered multiple stories about students who suffered a drug overdose in school and were revived by the lifesaving medication, naloxone. The situation is becoming more common with the increased presence of the synthetic opioid, fentanyl mixed into the drug supply, among other issues, according to Robert Childs, the founder of Chattanooga Harm Reduction.
"A lot of people don't even know their kids may be using fentanyl, and young people who use drugs oftentimes may not know there is a fentanyl in the drugs that they're using, leading to a greater rate of accidental overdose," Childs said.
The legislation allowing students, staff, and visitors to carry naloxone received bipartisan support, and advocates like Childs told News 2 it will save lives.
"None of us would bat an eyelash about helping out someone who is diabetic, none of us would bat an eyelash about helping someone who had a bee sting, and for me, nobody should bat an eyelash about helping someone who had an opioid-related overdose, especially with the supply having an increasing rate of fentanyl, and a lot of people having unintentional exposure," Childs said.
Childs told News 2 the lack of access to mental healthcare and long waits for care could also cause children to turn to drugs to self-medicate, in turn, increasing the rate of accidental overdose in the state.
According to the CDC, Tennessee has the second highest overdose death rate in the nation behind West Virginia, and 91% of drug overdoses in young people involve opioids. Childs said every second counts during an overdose, and expanding naloxone access is key in helping reduce overdose deaths.
"If we can take away a step of potential danger for them, to me this is a no-brainer," Childs said. "This is why the legislation passed because the General Assembly feels the same. They want every kid to have the opportunity to live."
Naloxone is available for sale over-the-counter at most pharmacies, however there are more affordable places to obtain the medication, and many organizations offer it free of charge.
Click here for a list of contacts to obtain naloxone, or here. For substance use disorder resources, click here. There are many videos available online, like this one, that teach young people how to administer naloxone.