Narcan Heads to Northwest Georgia Schools in Life-Saving Push

ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), in partnership with the Northwest Georgia Regional Education Service Agency (RESA), began distributing opioid overdose reversal kits to 180 schools across Northwest Georgia on Tuesday, April 21. This effort is part of a broader statewide initiative launched last fall by DBHDD, the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE), and the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust (GOCAT) to equip every public school in Georgia with Narcan, a life-saving opioid antagonist.

"Moments like this show what's possible when urgency meets strong partnership," said DBHDD Commissioner Kevin Tanner. "We're grateful to Director Brian Otott and Northwest Georgia RESA for opening their doors and helping turn this life-saving effort into action for schools across the region. We also want to recognize the leadership of Representative Katie Dempsey and Senator Chuck Hufstetler, who have consistently fought to invest in behavioral health and acted quickly to ensure Northwest Georgia schools are equipped with the tools they need. Northwest Georgia schools can feel confident knowing their state leaders have their back."

"Equipping our schools with Narcan is a critical, life-saving step in protecting our students and school communities," said State Representative Katie Dempsey. "I'm grateful to Commissioner Kevin Tanner for his leadership and State Senator Chuck Hufstetler for his continued partnership and commitment to addressing the opioid crisis. Their efforts, alongside our local and state partners, are making a meaningful difference for schools and families across Northwest Georgia."

"As someone who works in the hospital with Narcan, I am excited to have this available in all our schools," said State Senator Chuck Hufstetler. "No doubt lives will be saved when seconds matter, and it is available on the premises. Thanks to Commissioner Tanner and his staff for making this happen."

On Tuesday, DBHDD partnered with Northwest Georgia RESA to host a "Stuff the Box" event, assembling all 180 kits designated for the RESA's catchment area. Rep. Katie Dempsey, Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, along with partners from Highland Rivers Behavioral Health and Bridge Health Community Service Board, participated in the event. In total, more than 40 local educational, behavioral health and public safety professionals came together to help assemble the kits, with several schools picking up their completed kits the same day.

The statewide initiative has already reached more than 1,300 schools. DBHDD anticipates a total of 2,300 schools will be equipped by the end of the school year.

Funded by opioid settlement dollars administered by GOCAT, the Georgia Overdose Response Partnership is a proactive, lifesaving effort that ensures school staff are equipped to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose emergency. The initiative supports the intent of Senate Bill 395 (known as "Wesley's Law"). Wesley's Law empowers schools to obtain and administer opioid antagonists and provides immunity to staff acting in good faith.

DBHDD extends its appreciation to State Superintendent Richard Woods and all RESA directors for their support and partnership in coordinating this work.

***Editor's Note: Photos from the event may be downloaded here.