Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has announced new guidance for responding to medical emergencies at school in which an individual may be experiencing a suspected opioid overdose. The new regulation includes detailed guidance on naloxone (also known by its brand name, Narcan), its use and access in MCPS schools. Narcan is a potentially life-saving medication that temporarily reverses the effects due to an opioid overdose. This action is part of a series of efforts the school system is undertaking to combat the rise in youth overdose cases across the county.

The new guidance allows students to carry Narcan in schools and during school-sponsored activities without fear of disciplinary action. Students should continue to seek assistance from school or health room staff in the event of a medical emergency on campus.

Caption: MCPS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patricia Kapunan discusses a new MCPS regulation allowing students to carry Narcan. She appears at a press conference today alongside representatives from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, the Montgomery County Police Department and the Montgomery County Fire Department. 

Each school has emergency action plans in place that address medical emergencies, which include the administration of Narcan by school nurses or other trained personnel in the event of a suspected opioid overdose. The new guidance provides greater detail about Narcan training, storage and administration by school personnel. Though every MCPS school has maintained a Narcan supply since the 2018-2019 school year, with the increase in opioid-related events in youth, MCPS has increased the number of doses stored in middle and high schools, and identified additional individuals in schools for hands-on training.  

As the majority of youth overdoses occur off school grounds, MCPS and county public health and safety agencies continue to stress the importance of increasing awareness and offering training and resources to youth and community members.  

County Trainings & School Health and Wellness Fair

Montgomery County residents can access naloxone and get trained on how to use it for free without an individual prescription. The county offers trainings and access to free naloxone. To learn more, visit the county’s Know the Risks webpage or call Montgomery County's Department of Health and Human Services at 240-777-1836.

Empowering youth and caregivers through education, mental health skills training, and connection to community resources remains essential to combating the youth opioid epidemic. As part of the district's efforts to educate and engage with families, MCPS is holding a Health and Wellness Fair this Saturday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to noon at Seneca Valley High School, 19401 Crystal Rock Drive in Germantown. Families and community members are invited to attend educational sessions on mental health and wellness in English and Spanish. Training and distribution of Narcan kits will be provided at the event. To RSVP to this event, please fill out this Google form. 

Download videos of press conference here.