01/07/2026
Is your school prepared for an overdose? This info is so valuable. The following is from our NASN Convention, thank you.
Presenters
Holly Geyer, MD:
Kimberly J. Stanislo, APRN-CNP, LSN, NCSN, CPNP-PC:
Ashley Bello:
Abstract: Across the United States, overdose is now the third leading cause of death for individuals under age 18. Between 2019 and 2021, monthly youth overdose deaths more than doubled, contributing to more than 107,000 deaths nationally in 2023, most linked to illicit synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. Although deaths declined by 27% in 2024, progress remains fragile. Recent data show more than 1 in 10 U.S. adults reported using synthetic opioids in 2024, a sharp rise from 0.3% just two years earlier. Youth remain on the front lines, with over 20% of high school students reporting drug exposure on school campuses.
School nurses are often the first clinical professionals to recognize and manage overdose events, coordinate emergency response, and guide school health policy. School nurse remain inconsistent in their ability to recognize and respond: while 37 states reference school-based overdose management in statute, only 13 require schools to stock naloxone and just 7 mandate student opioid education.
Brief Description: Across the United States, overdose is now the third leading cause of death among youth, with deaths more than doubling between 2019 and 2021. Despite a recent decline, risk remains high, with over 20% of students reporting drug exposure on campus. School nurses are central to overdose response but face inconsistent preparedness nationwide.
This session highlights practical tools school nurses can leverage to prepare their schools for overdoses including naloxone protocols, staff and student training tools, and standardized reporting. Participants will assess school readiness and leave with actionable strategies to strengthen overdose preparedness, prevention, and care coordination in school settings.
