Three state agencies have launched a statewide initiative to provide opioid overdose reversal kits to every public school in Georgia with northeast Georgia schools scheduled to get them in the new year.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to protecting Georgia’s students and ensuring every school is prepared to respond in an emergency,” said State Schools Supt. Richard Woods. “By taking this proactive step, we are helping safeguard the health and safety of every student, educator, and community member across our state.”
Funded by opioid settlement dollars administered by GOCAT, the Georgia Overdose Response Partnership is a proactive, lifesaving effort that ensures school staff are equipped to recognize and respond to opioid overdose emergency. The initiative supports the intent of Senate Bill 395 (known as “Wesley’s Law”), which was sponsored by Sen. Clint Dixon. Wesley’s Law empowers schools to obtain and administer opioid antagonists and provide immunity to staff acting in good faith.
Beginning this fall, more than 2,300 public schools will receive overdose reversal kits. These kits will contain naloxone (Narcan), which can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and restore breathing. The kits will also include personal protective equipment (PPE) and information to request refills of the lifesaving medication.
Distribution began this fall with the first phase serving nine Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs), covering more than half of Georgia’s public schools in metro Atlanta, southwest Georgia, and central Georgia. The final phase which will begin next Spring will complete statewide coverage, reaching all 16 RESAs, including northeast Georgia’s Pioneer RESA.
Georgia Regional Service Agencies will host “stuff-the-box” style events, where school and community leaders are encouraged to participate in assembling the kits.