Narcan in Manchester schools clears committee

March 15--School officials in Manchester approved a request last night from city health officials to make Narcan -- the overdose-reversing drug -- available at all Queen City schools.

The drug could be in school nurse offices across the city by the end of the month.

Manchester Public Health Director Tim Soucy appeared before the school board's Committee on Coordination/Administration last night to pitch the proposal.

"This is another tool to fight this epidemic," said Soucy.

One city resident, Mike Porter of Ward 8, spoke out against the proposal, saying once addicts know Narcan is available in schools they will purposefully head there to "shoot up."

"Once an addict realizes they have a safe zone, they are going to migrate there," said Porter. "They are going to do the dump-and-run and inject right there."

Porter also warned of the liability issues he feels could arise if a nurse revives an overdose victim "too quickly," and they become "combative."

"I know the nurses will be trained," said Porter. "What if they revive them too quickly and they strike a nurse or a teacher or, God forbid, strike a child?"

"I don't believe that's going to happen," said Soucy. "Narcan has been available in the Nashua school district, and there are no reports of this happening."

Soucy said he is aware of one overdose situation in Manchester that while not school-related, did occur on school property. He was unable to provide further details.

In 2015, Manchester fire and American Medical Response personnel responded to 726 suspected overdoses, resulting in 83 suspected fatalities.

Statistics released this month by Manchester fire officials show 20 fatal overdoses in the Queen City in the first two months of 2016, compared to 11 at this time a year ago. The youngest fatal overdose victim was 23, the oldest, 57.

Of the 123 suspected opioid-related calls for service this year, the youngest overdose victim in Manchester is 15, the oldest, 89. City first responders say 80 overdose patients were treated with Narcan.

Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a medication that reverses the effects of overdose from opioids such as heroin and narcotic pain medications. Narcan is available as an injection or nasal spray. It has no side effects if used incorrectly, Soucy said.

"There is no danger if Narcan is given to someone by mistake," said Soucy.

Each Narcan kit is valued at about $90 and contains two doses of the drug.

Soucy said the Narcan will be provided free of charge by the state Department of Health and Human Services.

Soucy said all school nurses and administrators have already been trained on how to properly administer the drug. The proposal will go before the full school board for a vote on March 28.

"Once that vote is taken, we can stock the schools right away," said Soucy.

In 2015, Manchester fire and AMR personnel treated 589 patients with a total of 1,732 mg of Narcan.

Last week, Soucy said he is including all schools, even those at the elementary levels, in case an overdose happens while an adult is on school grounds.

"This will give them a life-saving tool that quickly accessible if anything happens," said Soucy. According to paperwork provided by Soucy, Narcan available at city schools will be clearly marked and stored in a secure space in the school nurse's office or main administrative office, and locked up "at all times except during actual administration." Records related to the administration of Narcan will be kept individually by each school nurse.

pfeely@unionleader.com

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