Since the turn of the century, the number of opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. has increased by over 400 percent. Whether it is from heroin, fentanyl or prescribed opioids, people are dying from overdoses every day. From 1999 to 2022, nearly 727,000 people died from an opioid overdose. It was estimated that an average of 224 people died each day in 2022 due to such overdoses — 10 times the number from 1999.
As of late April, the Trump administration has proposed to cut a $56 million grant program that distributes the life-saving overdose drug naloxone or Narcan and teaches first responders how to use it. Naloxone, often in nasal spray form, is used to quickly reverse an opioid overdose. It is safe, has very few side effects and can be used by anyone.
The medication was made available for over-the-counter purchase in 2023 and is standard for first responders to carry. The CDC credits the increasingly widespread availability of Narcan for the significant dip in overdose deaths, decreasing from an estimated 83,000 in 2023 to 55,000 in 2024.
Programs that provide naloxone for home use have also been proven to reduce deaths from opioid overdoses, with effectiveness ranging from 75 to 100 percent. Cutting the grant program that funds such a vital, life-saving drug will lower nationwide access to Narcan and first responders’ expertise on how to use it — as well as for regular citizens. CBS News states that experts say Trump’s budget cuts could reverse progress the U.S. has made in lowering opioid overdose deaths.
As seniors are leaving high school and entering a less supervised and more substance-heavy environment, it is crucial that they leave with the adequate skills and information needed in order to save a life with Narcan if necessary. Here is the step-by-step process on how to use Narcan nasal spray.
- Recognize signs of overdose: limp body, pale/clammy face, blue fingernails or lips, vomiting or gurgling sounds, inability to speak or be awakened or slow breathing/heartbeat.
- Check for a response. Shake them and shout to wake them up. If they still don’t respond, grind your knuckles into their chest bone for five to ten seconds.
- Immediately call 911.
- If available, obtain Narcan nasal spray.
- Turn the person onto their back.
- Tilt the person’s head back and provide support under their neck with your hand.
- Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the person’s nose.
- Press the plunger firmly to give the dose of Narcan nasal spray.
- Remove the Narcan nasal spray from the nostril after giving the dose.
- Roll the person on their side and place them in the “recovery position,” as shown in the illustration.
- Consistently check breathing. Wait two to three minutes to see if the person responds (wakes up, starts breathing normally).
- If the person doesn’t respond or responds but then relapses, administer another dose in the alternate nostril. Use a new Narcan nasal spray for each dose.
- Continue alternating nostrils with each dose. If more doses are needed, every two to three minutes until the person responds or emergency medical help arrives.
- Expert medical care should be sought as soon as possible, as Narcan is only effective for 30 to 90 minutes.
In case of an emergency at school, Narcan is available in the Wellness Center. Seniors, stock up on Narcan while it is still easily available and take this knowledge into action if needed as you enter your next big chapter. Stay safe and keep your peers safe.
