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In response to the opioid epidemic, Â鶹¹ÙÍø will be adding another life-saving rescue medication to all our school sites, with the provision of Naloxone (NARCAN) nasal spray.  

All our school sites have a number of emergency and rescue measures at their disposal, including AEDs to restart heart rhythms, Epi-Pen auto-injectors in the case of a severe allergic reaction, and now Naloxone nasal spray in the event of a suspected opioid overdose.  Laypersons may administer Narcan and law provides immunity.

Sacramento County has experienced over a hundred deaths due to opioid overdose, and this year the rates of death continue to increase. As individuals cope with the multiple traumas brought on or exacerbated by the Covid pandemic, substance use in general has increased. While Â鶹¹ÙÍø will take every action to educate our students, families and staff about the dangers of substance use, we are also taking proactive measures to protect lives. To learn more about opioid overdoses and the impact on Sacramento County please visit .

We anticipate distributing Narcan to all school sites starting the week of October 10th, pending final board approval of revisions to Board Policy 5141.21 at the 10/6/22 board meeting.  In preparation, we need all school site administrators to do the following:

School Site Administrator(s)

• Provide Naloxone / Narcan Training at the next staff meeting or similar event -    12 minute video & handouts found in the training form link below
  • Thank you for taking the next 15-20 minutes to learn how to save the life of someone at risk of death from opioid overdose
• Ensure everyone knows where the Narcan, Epi-pens, and AED are located.  
• Submit an incident report when Narcan is used 
• Requests for replacement supplies submitted and fulfilled by Health Services by calling 916-643-9412

Health Services 

Health Services will manage and maintain the Narcan program. same as the Epi-Pen and AED programs 

• Update Board Policy 5141.21 (final update pending 10/6/22 Board Meeting)
• COVID Health Aides assist with distribution to sites (same location as EpiPens s) 
• Narcan Binder with program information, incident forms and instructions for replenishment of expired/used doses will be placed on site with the Epipen Binder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Naloxone?

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that reverses an opioid overdose while having little to no effect on an individual if opioids are not present in their system. Naloxone works by blocking the opioid receptor sites, reversing the toxic effects of the overdose. Naloxone requires a prescription but is not a controlled substance. It has few known adverse effects, and no potential for abuse. Naloxone is administered when a patient is showing signs of opioid overdose.

What is NARCAN (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray?

NARCAN® Nasal Spray is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of an opioid emergency such as an overdose or a possible opioid overdose, indicated by signs of breathing problems and severe sleepiness or not being able to respond. NARCAN® Nasal Spray is to be given right away and does not take the place of emergency medical care. You can get additional information at the Narcan manufacturer Website.

Can naloxone be used for a fentanyl overdose?

Yes. Fentanyl is an opioid therefore naloxone can be used to reverse a fentanyl overdose.

What kind of immunity is provided for a person who administers Narcan?

Layperson administering naloxone pursuant to the law will not be subject to professional review, be liable in a civil action, or be subject to criminal prosecution for this administration, except in cases of gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct.  School district, county office of education, or charter school electing to use an opioid antagonist for emergency aid must ensure that each employee who volunteers to be trained in administering the drug will be provided defense and indemnification by the school district, county office of education, or charter school for any and all civil liability.