As of Jan. 1, 2024, all public and private schools in Illinois are required to keep a supply of Naloxone on hand in the event of an overdose, per Public Act 103-0348. Under this law, LT has included Naloxone in all available Automated External Defibrillator (AED) boxes on campus following students’ return from spring break 2025 as a part of the school’s ongoing efforts to ensure safety. 

“Over the past two years, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) have strongly recommended that Narcan be included in AED containers in schools and other public places,” SC Associate Principal Greg Gardner said. “Just as we’ve added AEDs and Stop the Bleed kits across campus, including Narcan is another way we prepare for a range of emergencies. This will further ensure we are ready to support anyone in need.”

Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is a life-saving drug given to any person who shows signs of an opioid overdose to restore normal breathing and prevent the risk of death. The drug works to reverse the effects of opioids like heroin and morphine and can be administered in the form of a nasal spray. Signs of an opioid overdose may include unconsciousness, pale skin, faint heartbeat, or very small pupils. 

“Narcan is specifically used to safely and rapidly reverse an opioid overdose,” NC school nurse Laura Byrne said. “In overdose, excessive stimulation of the u-opioid receptors in the brain that regulate respiratory rates leads to respiratory depression and, ultimately, death by respiratory arrest.”

As of press time, there have been no incidents or use of Narcan at LT, nor any data indicating an increased overdose risk in the student body, Gardner said. However, out of precaution for such an event, LT and CCDPH require any volunteer faculty member to watch a short training video and complete a Google Form to confirm their eligibility to administer Narcan. 

“LT is committed to supporting all students who may be struggling with any type of substance use,” Gardner said. “Our Student Services department has a variety of resources and supports, and we have partnerships with local community organizations to provide additional resources when appropriate. The Prevention and Wellness section of our website offers further information, and our counselors and social workers are very familiar with these resources if any student has questions or knows someone who may benefit from some additional support.”

In the case of experiencing or witnessing an overdose outside of school, it’s important to act quickly and call 911 right away. For students seeking support or treatment options that are free or low cost, confidential resources like Presence Behavioral Health or Rosecrance are trustworthy sources to receive assistance. 

As of April 7, all seven AED boxes on each campus are marked as having Narcan, further establishing LT as a safe environment for students and faculty. 

“[LT] work[s] to build strong relationships between students and staff so students feel comfortable reaching out during challenging times,” Gardner said. “We want to support students in making healthy and positive decisions throughout their time at LT well before a decision to turn to a harmful decision is presented to them.”