Madison Reporter

MMSD's Health Services Department has taken a significant step towards enhancing student and staff safety by equipping Automated External Defibrillator (AED) cases with Narcan, amidst the ongoing opioid crisis. The initiative aims to ensure the well-being of over 25,000 students and 6,000 employees across the district.

Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a nasal spray that can reverse the effects of opioids during an overdose, providing a crucial lifeline in emergency situations. Kari Stampfli, the Director of Health Services at MMSD, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Having both an AED and Narcan readily attainable in busy, high visibility spots increases the safety of anyone who enters our buildings."

These life-saving measures are part of the comprehensive approach adopted by MMSD to address various health needs within the school community. Each nurse's office is equipped with essential medications such as albuterol for asthma attacks, epinephrine for severe allergic reactions, and now Narcan for opioid emergencies. Additionally, at least one AED device is available in every school to respond to sudden cardiac arrests.

By partnering with UW Health’s Behavioral Health & Recovery Clinic and Public Health of Madison & Dane County (PHMDC), MMSD has ensured that Narcan is readily available in all AED cases. The cases are secured with alarms to alert nearby individuals in the event of a medical emergency, enabling trained personnel to provide prompt assistance.

Stampfli highlighted the proactive approach taken by MMSD, stating, "The more proactive safety measurements we have in place, the healthier of an environment we can create for student and staff success." As the availability of Narcan in school health offices becomes more widespread nationwide, organizations like the American Medical Association advocate for its presence in educational institutions.

For further information and resources on well-being and mental health, individuals are encouraged to visit MMSD's 5 to Thrive webpage. The initiative to equip AED cases with Narcan underscores MMSD's commitment to prioritizing the safety and welfare of its students and staff members during the challenging times of the opioid crisis.