Taunton Mayor Wants School Nurses To Carry Narcan

Naloxone Hydrochloride, also known as Narcan, is a nasal spray used as an antidote for opiate drug overdoses. (Image courtesy: CBS News)

TAUNTON (CBS) — A proposal from the superintendent to equip school nurses with the opioid overdose reversal drug Narcan has the full support of the city’s mayor.

“It’s a sign of the times,” said Taunton Mayor Thomas Hoye. “It’s where we are right now, and we have to be proactive and ready.”

Naloxone Hydrochloride, also known as Narcan, is a nasal spray used as an antidote for opiate drug overdoses.

Under the proposal, policy would be drafted that would allow nurses to administer the drug on school grounds. Hoye said that Taunton has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic, and that the preventative measures should be put in place in case anyone–a student, a parent, someone visiting for an event–suffers an opiate overdose.

Hoye said the city may even have to consider expanding the program.

“The high school is a good starting point,” said Hoye. “I think we have to look at the middle schools. At that point it doesn’t so much become for the students, but for after-school activities and community activities that may occur within the school district.”

Firefighters and first responders in Taunton already carry Narcan with them on calls.