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Superintendent proposes policy to train volunteers to administer Narcan on district campuses
Summary
At the board meeting, the superintendent outlined a draft policy that would authorize the school physician to allow the nurse to train volunteers and staff to store and administer Narcan on campus and at school events; board members expressed broad support and asked for implementation details. No vote was taken; the superintendent will bring formal wording for readings.
The Fort Edward Union Free School District superintendent introduced a draft opioid overdose prevention policy that would permit the district physician to authorize the nurse to train a select group of staff and volunteers to carry and administer naloxone (Narcan) on school property and at school events. The superintendent said the plan is intended to expand coverage beyond relying on a single trained nurse.
"A policy would need to be created where our school physician would issue an order that authorized our nurse... She would then train our select group of volunteers to be able to administer Narcan," the superintendent said, describing that the district would also store Narcan kits in accessible locations, often colocated with AEDs.
Why it matters: The superintendent said Department of Health regulations require board authorization for non-medical volunteers to be trained and supervised, and the change is aimed at speeding response at after-school events and community gatherings held on campus. Board members asked about who would serve as volunteers, oversight and storage logistics; the superintendent said typical trainees would include administrators, coaches, regular chaperones and staff with medical experience.
Board reaction was largely supportive. Chair (speaker 1) said, "I think it's a good idea," and another board member noted the life-saving potential: "something out there that stops people from dying during an overdose," arguing for broader coverage at events.
The superintendent said she will draft formal policy language and return to the board for a first and second reading before any final adoption. No formal vote on the policy took place at this meeting.
