Drug overdoses are reaching an epidemic level in America. In 2022, there will well be over 100,000 reported drug-induced deaths nationwide, shattering last year’s record 104,000. That figure nearly double 2020’s total of 56,000.
“Data documents estimated overdose deaths from opioids increased to 75,673 in the 12-month period ending in April 2021, up from 56,064 the year before,” the CDC said. “Overdose deaths from synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) and psychostimulants such as methamphetamine also increased in the 12-month period ending in April 2021. Cocaine deaths also increased, as did deaths from natural and semi-synthetic opioids (such as prescription pain medication).”
Now, a New Jersey county is making sure Naloxone, also known as Narcan will be available to ever school in the county.
Camden County has begun the rollout of the life-saving opioid life-saving medicine this week.
On October 13, 2022, at Highland Regional High School in Blackwood, Camden County rolled out its most recent initiative to combat the opioid epidemic, Narcan emergency boxes.
The boxes are similar to fire alarm and first aid kit boxes.
“By October 31, 2022, the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office in partnership with the Camden County Board of Commissioners and the Addiction Awareness Task Force will provide our local school districts with more than 250 NaloxBoxes to be installed throughout Camden County public and parochial schools,” the county officials announced on Thursday. “Each NaloxBox will contain lifesaving Naloxone kits to be used in the event of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. The NaloxBox mission is to improve the capacity of bystander rescuers to save the lives of victims of opioid overdose with overdose response tools. The NaloxBox is a clearly marked and secure metal box that looks similar to an emergency defibrillator box. Each box holds four doses of Naloxone inside of a Naloxone kit. Teachers, administrators and school staff are being trained on how to effectively use the Naloxone kits.”