This week, the Biden administration sent a letter urging schools to carry naloxone, an overdose reversal drug, to protect students from fentanyl poisonings and opioid overdoses. As a pharmacist, I was glad to see our president finally taking some action on the fentanyl crisis, which is killing almost 200 people per day in this country.
If a plane crashed today and killed 200 people, we would immediately ground all flights until we discovered the cause. A letter would not be enough. Similarly, we need more decisive action from our commander-in-chief on the fentanyl crisis, which is stealing the lives of friends and family members in every community in every state.
We don’t need guidance, we need assurances. That’s why, back in June, I introduced a bill based off legislation out of Arkansas that would require elementary and secondary schools to carry naloxone. Wherever you see a defibrillator, you should see naloxone. It’s safe, effective, easy to use, and could save a life.
In Case You Missed It, I discussed the fentanyl poisoning epidemic and how my Saving Lives in Schools Act will add teeth to the Biden administration’s guidance:
