Some NJ High Schools Keep Narcan On Hand Just In Case
RUNNEMEDE, NJ (CBS) -- A Camden County school district is now allowing nurses to carry and administer Narcan on school property, should the need arise.
And there's a push to take this effort throughout New Jersey.
The Black Horse Pike Regional School District has trained nurses at Highland, Timber Creek and Triton High Schools in the use of the antidote to an opioid overdose.
Superintendent Dr. Brian Repici says, "We all share the same view that this medication can potentially save the life of one of our children. We are hopeful that we never have to use it."
And while there are concerns about the rising price of Narcan, he insists no price can put on a human life.
High schools throughout Ocean County have a similar policy, and there's a push to take it statewide.
"This epidemic is in every neighborhood in New Jersey and I think it is incumbent upon every school system to be prepared to deal with the event of an overdose whether it's a student or a staff member," Camden County Freeholder Lou Cappelli said.
Given Governor Christie's push to address drug abuse head on, officials believe creating this policy throughout New Jersey will be easier to get through the legislature.