Howard County high schools receive naloxone, training for heroin, opioid overdoses

The Howard County Board of Health has provided a single dose of naloxone to each high school and training to school nurses on how to administer the drug.

Jennie Cauthern, public health projects coordinator, said the drug is available in case a student or adult overdoses on school property, including during sporting events.

Cauthern said the board of health decided to provide the training to schools after the manufacturer of naloxone offered one free dose to high schools around the country. Though the manufacturer is offering only the one dose for free, Cauthern said the Howard County Health Department will provide additional doses if a school has to use it.

Though Cauthern said she’s not aware of any overdoses on school property in the county, the training and doses will help ensure schools are prepared.

“It’s always better to be proactive,” Cauthern said. “It’s just an added step for precaution.”