Bill to Require Schools to Maintain Narcan Becomes Law; Sponsored by Andrzejczak, Land, 4 Others

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Robert Andrzejczak, Bruce Land (both D-1st), Andrew Zwicker, Dan Benson, Vince Mazzeo, and Joann Downey to require schools to maintain a supply of an opioid antidote was signed into law by the Governor Aug. 24.
According to a release, the law (A-542) will require high schools to maintain a supply of naloxone hydrochloride, or a similar opioid antidote, and permit the school nurse to administer the antidote to a student or staff member who is experiencing an overdose. The board of education may designate additional employees who may be trained and authorized to administer the antidote in the absence of the nurse.
“Loved ones often don’t know that a child is using drugs until it is too late,” stated Andrzejczak. “Given the current crisis situation, schools should be on alert and equipped to act if a student or anyone else at the school has an overdose.”
“We have a responsibility to ensure the safety of our students,” stated Land. “That includes being ready and able to administer life-saving medication to reverse a drug overdose.”
“The harsh reality is that opioids are killing thousands of people in this country, many of them young people,” stated Mazzeo (D-Atlantic). “Narcan has been proven to save lives. Having it readily available in schools can help ensure that our schools are ready to respond in every emergency situation.”
According to the law, guidelines for schools’ policies regarding narcan supply and administration will be established by the Department of Education along with the Department of Human Services and appropriate medical experts. In addition, designated employees will receive training on standardized protocols for the administration of opioid antidotes to students or staff members experiencing an overdose.
“Our response to the opioid epidemic in New Jersey must go beyond ‘Just say no,’” said Zwicker (D-Hunterdon/Mercer/Middlesex/Somerset). “Having Narcan in schools is one element of a larger comprehensive effort to stem the tide of this enormous public health challenge.”
“Narcan is a resource that we’ve seen save lives as New Jersey works to overcome a major problem with opioid drugs,” said Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex) “Making this antidote available in schools will ensure that school nurses can take action to help students in a crisis.”
“Ideally, no student would use drugs, but the reality is that kids in New Jersey – whether their parents know it or not – are using them and are dying,” said Downey (D-Monmouth). “This legislation acknowledges that hard truth and responds accordingly.”