A new SC law lets schools use this medication to save student lives if needed. What to know
Medication to reverse opioid overdoes will be available in South Carolina schools this year because of a new state law.
Gov. Henry McMaster earlier this year signed House Bill 4122 into law, authorizing the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, in consultation with the S.C. Department of Education, to create and update a list of lifesaving medications school nurses and trained staff can use in schools or school-related events. According to a DHEC press release, the department has authorized the use of naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray for the 2023-24 school year.
Distribution of naloxone to schools began last week.
When administered in time, naloxone can reverse the effects of overdose from opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl. The medication is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
“Naloxone is the lifesaving medication we hope no school nurse or trained school staff person ever has to administer, but we are in the middle of an opioid epidemic and need to be realistic and prepared,” Victoria Ladd, state school nurse consultant, said in the press release. “While naloxone does not provide prevention for addiction, it can save lives when a person has taken too many opioid-containing drugs or medications so the person can live to get the help they need.”
SC drug overdose deaths
According to DHEC statistics, the total number of drug overdose deaths in South Carolina rose by more than 430 people — from 1,737 to 2,168 — between 2020 and 2021. That’s an increase of more than 25%. In comparison, there were 573 drug overdose deaths in the state in 2012.
Also, opioids continue to be the primary cause of South Carolina overdose deaths in recent years, contributing to 1,733 of the 2,168 deadly overdoses in 2021, DHEC states.
“We are dedicated to saving lives in schools by expanding access to these emergency medications, through our partnership with schools and the Department of Education,” Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC director of public health, said in the press release.
This story was originally published August 18, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
