IDPH allows schools to obtain and administer opioid antagonists
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois schools are now allowed to keep and administer medications that can work against opioid overdoses, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced Thursday.
The IDPH’s new standing order comes after expanding access to naloxone, or Narcan, in 2015, and a state law revision that took effect on Jan. 1 of this year. The revision requires schools to have a supply of opioid antagonists, and states that they may obtain them without a prescription. This is a requirement for schools in only nine U.S. states, now including Illinois.
The amendment also states that trained personnel can use these medications on school property if someone shows signs of an overdose. Details on this training for school faculty are outlined in the Illinois School Code.
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“Medications like naloxone save lives,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said. “This updated standing order will ensure Illinois schools have the authority to use this treatment to prevent tragedies. While we continue to work vigilantly to steer young people away from misuse of opioids and other substances, a public health approach requires us to do everything in our power to reduce harm preventing the most tragic and permanent consequences of these substances.”
Throughout the 2022-2023 school year, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) said there were 10 reported overdose incidents that happened during school hours where school personnel had to administer opioid antagonists to students.
“Access to naloxone in schools will potentially save the life of a student experiencing an overdose and give them a chance at getting help and recovery,” State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders said. “It’s exceedingly rare that a student experiences an overdose in school, but if and when that happens, this order will reduce the time it takes to give them life-saving medication. I am proud of the collaboration between ISBE and IDPH to meet the needs of school districts, school nurses, and teachers who may respond in a crisis when someone needs the naloxone while on school grounds.”
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The revision also added nalmefene as an approved opioid antagonist.
Both naloxone and nalmefene can be administered safely to someone showing signs of an overdose, even if that person is not actually overdosing. More than one dose may be needed. Side effects usually mimic symptoms of opioid withdrawal, such as fever, hypertension, nausea or vomiting — though IDPH officials say experiencing any side effect is rare.
The revised standing order will be in effect until early February, 2025.
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