Merkley, Scott Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Fight Opioid Overdose in Schools, Support School Access to Naloxone

Washington, D.C. - Today, Oregon's U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Florida's U.S. Senator Rick Scott teamed up to reintroduce their bipartisan School Access to Naloxone Act. The bipartisan legislation would ensure school personnel have the training and education to administer lifesaving drugs and devices for emergency treatment in cases of known or suspected opioid overdose.

"As I meet with Oregonians in each of our 36 counties for town hall conversations, I hear about the need to combat the opioid crisis, especially from our younger generations who are demanding effective solutions to this epidemic," said Merkley. "Naloxone saves lives and helping schools stock and administer it is an important part of what needs to be a multi-pronged effort to tackle opioid overdoses. I'll keep working to deliver federal resources and support individuals and communities suffering from this crisis."

"I'm proud to join Senator Merkley on our bipartisan School Access to Naloxone Act, to ensure schools can access the resources they need to recognize and treat opioid overdoses and save lives," said Scott. "I'll continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate to raise awareness of this crisis and promote access to life-saving tools and I urge Congress to pass this bill to help save lives."

The number of adolescent overdose deaths in the U.S. has risen in recent years. According to an analysis of data from the CDC, adolescent opioid fatalities-including fatalities from fentanyl-have increased from 143 cases in 2018 to 557 cases in 2023. Most opioid overdose deaths could be avoided by the timely administration of naloxone, a safe and effective opioid reversal medication.

With an increase in addiction and opioid overdoses in American adolescents, it's critical to ensure schools have the resources, training, and federal support to combat this crisis. The School Access to Naloxone Act aims to reduce opioid overdose deaths in young Americans by encouraging the stocking of naloxone and the training of staff on its safe administration in school settings.

The bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and John Fetterman (D-PA).

The School Access to Naloxone Act is endorsed by the National Association of School Nurses, National Association of School Superintendents, School-Based Health Alliance, Oregon School-Based Alliance, InterMountain Education Service District, La Grande School District, and Umatilla School District.

"Once again, I appreciate Senator Merkley's consistent effort to improve the lives of Oregonians. Due to the high rate of opium use, schools need support, training and resources to prepare a response to this crisis," said Mark Mulvihill, Superintendent, InterMountain Education Service District.

"It's important for Oregon Schools to have access to resources such as Naloxone (Narcan). Opioid overdose prevention is important for staff and student safety and having an intervention plan that allows for Narcan in schools can save lives. Schools need to be prepared to respond to emergencies and provide immediate assistance when necessary. We have staff trained in CPR, first aid, as well as many other school emergencies, we need to be prepared to respond. We need to ensure we have resources to provide a timely response and encourage responsible action for our staff. Making Naloxone (Narcan) available in schools will provide opportunities for educators and staff members to be educated about the dangers of opioids, fentanyl and how the body responds to overdoses. This education promotes greater awareness to staff, students and families and will help safeguard the health and wellbeing of our students and most importantly save lives," said George Mendoza, Superintendent, La Grande School District.

"Schools are often community hubs. No community is immune from opioid concerns and having access to life saving medications in the event of an overdose is a valuable tool. I hope we never need to use Naloxone in a school facility, but am thankful to have access should the need arise," said Heidi Sipe, Superintendent, Umatilla School District.

Full text of the School Access to Naloxone Act can be found by clicking here.

This press release has been updated.

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