Ingleside ISD is implementing NARCAN on campuses to combat drug overdoses, but they’ve encountered a hurdle.
Scott Kilgore, the Director of Safety and Student Services for Ingleside ISD, mentioned that while the district has ordered NARCAN, they were informed recently that due to high demand across the state, the shipment will be delayed for another 30-45 days.
“As a parent, I’m comforted knowing that if something happens to my child, he will have whatever is necessary to save his life,” he expressed. “Many times, individuals suffering from fentanyl and opioid overdoses aren’t even aware they’ve ingested them. They could be unknowingly consuming laced substances.”
Kilgore points out that the recent Texas legislative session passed Senate Bill 629, mandating that school districts should stock NARCAN on their campuses.
“Our main priority in Ingleside is to ensure we’re doing everything possible to safeguard our community.”
Ingleside ISD Board of Trustees President, Teresa Flores, mentioned that the district’s nurses will be fully equipped with the skills to administer NARCAN. “After our recent annual training in Dallas, which we’ve attended for several years, this was the first time they included sessions on fentanyl. This educated the boards on the potential risks,” said Flores.
Kilgore emphasized that the opioid antagonist will be securely stored.
“School districts across the state, including ours, are grateful for the chance to enhance safety measures,” he stated.
Kilgore also noted that on November 6, select administrators and staff members who interact with large student groups will undergo training. This is to ensure someone can act if a nurse isn’t present. While the district hasn’t faced any overdose situations so far, they’re ready to tackle such incidents.