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Tompkins County Legislature unanimously backs measure supporting Narcan training in high schools
Summary
After student and community testimony, the Tompkins County Legislature voted unanimously May 5 to adopt a resolution backing New York Assembly bill A1060 to allow Narcan training in high school health classes and permit trained students to carry naloxone on school grounds.
The Tompkins County Legislature voted unanimously May 5 to endorse a state bill that would allow Narcan (naloxone) training in high school health classes and permit trained students to carry naloxone on campus.
Travis Brooks, chair of the county's Health and Human Services Committee, moved the resolution (ID 14050) onto the floor after several students and community members described situations in which immediate access to naloxone would have made a difference. "High schoolers have the capability to do so much good," said Ishawn, a Cornell student and member of a state policy clinic advocating for the bill. Student speaker Maria Santa urged the legislature to "formally support Assembly bill A1060" so schools recognize students as partners in public safety.
Advocates and public-safety staff told legislators that adolescent overdose deaths often occur with bystanders present who do not act because they are untrained or afraid. "In about 68 percent of those cases where a bystander was present, they did nothing," Ishawn said, citing CDC figures discussed during the presentation. Kathy Staples of the nonprofit Truth Farm said naloxone distribution programs already operate in the region and that opioid-settlement funds help supply naloxone to community groups.
County responders described practical benefits: Dan, the county's probation director, said multiple doses are often needed and that having several trained people at a scene can bridge the gap until EMS arrives. Local legislators also highlighted existing training opportunities; Greg Nuzzi noted Tompkins Build programs that provide pathway training in other areas.
The clerk conducted a roll call for the resolution. Chair Shauna Black announced the vote was unanimous and thanked the student advocates for their work. The resolution record in the chamber identifies the motion as moved by Travis Brooks and seconded by Christy Bianconi.
The county resolution is an expression of support for the state bill; it does not itself change school policy. If passed by the state, Assembly bill A1060 would allow school districts to integrate naloxone training into existing health curricula and to authorize trained students to carry naloxone on school property.
Next steps: The resolution will be transmitted to state legislative leadership as a local government expression of support for A1060.
