Nash County Public Schools add Narcan to every bus to respond to possible overdoses
NASHVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Nash County Public Schools is taking a new and bold step to make sure an opioid emergency on a school bus does not end in tragedy. With more than 7,000 students riding Nash County school buses each day, district leaders say they are confident those students are now safer on every ride to and from school.
The district has placed Narcan, also known as naloxone, on all 115 school buses. Naloxone is a medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
In a statement, district transportation leaders said, "This initiative is not just about preparation. It is about prevention, awareness, and ensuring that life-saving tools are accessible when seconds matter most."
For some parents, the move is necessary.
"It's a fantastic thing to have," Heather Dew said. "If it's your kid on that school bus that uses the Narcan to save someone else, or if it's your kid that needs the Narcan. Because there's drugs in all of these hallways all the time that we don't know about."
Meanwhile, parent Janay Fraser said the safety measure reflects the reality of today's environment.
"When I was riding the bus back then, that really didn't exist. But I guess in a way it's good," Fraser said. "If it's happening, then at least it can help if these kids are on something like that."
The decision comes as statewide data highlights the continued impact of the opioid crisis. According to the most recent statewide data from the 2023-24 school year, there were 26 incidents of naloxone use for suspected overdoses reported in North Carolina schools.
Also, according to records, 31 people died from overdoses in Nash County in 2024. However, there is no data available for overdoses specifically in schools in non-aggregated form due to potential health privacy concerns.
The overdose response kits were funded through opioid settlement money approved by the Nash County Board of Commissioners at a cost of just over $21,000.
Parent James Ford said having the medication available could make the difference in a life-or-death situation. "It'll be good to be able to save (students) instead of waiting for the paramedics," Ford said. "They might lose the kid before the paramedics get there."
The kits, known as ONEbox units, each contain Narcan along with step-by-step video instructions designed to help anyone on the bus respond quickly during an emergency.
The district has also taken steps to ensure staff are prepared to use the kits. More than 130 bus drivers and monitors have completed training on how to recognize the warning signs of an overdose and properly administer Narcan.
