RTI uses cookies to offer you the best experience online. By clicking “accept” on this website, you opt in and you agree to the use of cookies. If you would like to know more about how RTI uses cookies and how to manage them please view our Privacy Policy here. You can “opt out” or change your mind by visiting: http://optout.aboutads.info/. Click “accept” to agree.
School naloxone policies developed and implemented by district and school nurses
Erickson, E., Kane, H., Garcia, S. A., Loera, L. J., Hill, L. G., Hinnant, L., Rabre, A., Temblador, A., & Cance, J. D. (2026). "Leaving the decision step to me": School naloxone policies developed and implemented by district and school nurses. Substance Use & Addiction Journal, 29767342261448407. https://doi.org/10.1177/29767342261448407
BACKGROUND: Some state legislatures have passed laws that allow or require that districts and schools maintain naloxone on campus. In response to the ongoing opioid and overdose epidemic, school and district nurses are increasingly involved in the development of policies related to naloxone administration. This study examined how some Texas districts and schools developed and implemented policies related to access to and availability of naloxone.
METHODS: We surveyed personnel who requested a standing order for naloxone from the Texas Opioid Training Initiative (N = 388 active contacts, 25.0% response rate) and conducted semi-structured interviews with a subset of survey respondents (N = 16). Most respondents were district or school nurses.
RESULTS: Respondents used multiple resources to develop their policies, including other schools' policies, extant medication policies, professional associations, and legislative language. Most respondents (87% district-level; 100% school-level) reported that naloxone was available. Common locations for naloxone storage were a nurse's office (72% respondents) and a closet or cabinet in a common area (41%).
CONCLUSION: Supporting district and school nurses in developing policies on access to and availability of naloxone can build confidence in school staff's preparedness to respond to overdose.
RTI shares its evidence-based research - through peer-reviewed publications and media - to ensure that it is accessible for others to build on, in line with our mission and scientific standards.
