Narcan in Schools: Should Florida Campuses Stock the Overdose Antidote?

Across the U.S., teen overdose deaths more than doubled between 2019 and 2021, largely driven by fentanyl, and while recent national trends show some leveling off, rates remain significantly higher than before the pandemic [1].

For Florida families, these numbers aren’t just statistics; they reflect a real risk in the communities where teens live, learn, and spend much of their week. Schools are more than places for classes; they are daily environments where teens interact with peers and trusted adults, making them key locations for both education and emergency response. 

Given the growing presence of potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl and nitazenes, many parents and school policymakers are asking whether having Narcan (a medication that can quickly reverse opioid overdoses) on campus could be a practical step to help protect students and respond quickly if an emergency occurs. The evidence points to yes. 

Are Teen Overdoses Rising in Florida?

While recent statewide data show some declines in drug-related deaths, overdose risk remains high. According to the Florida Department of Health, emergency medical services in Florida responded to over 60,000 suspected drug overdoses in 2025, and naloxone was administered nearly 20,000 times either by EMS or by others before EMS arrival [2]. 

Fatal overdoses among youth continue to grab local headlines, reminding parents that counterfeit pills and tainted substances are circulating widely and unpredictably.  

A Recent Overdose Tragedy in Florida

In March 2026, a local incident in Englewood County caught public attention when a teenage girl overdosed on fentanyl while at school. Deputies responding to the scene said she had taken fentanyl at the middle school, which she acquired from her father, prompting an immediate medical response and the arrest of her parents [3]. 

The case highlights how easily potent synthetic opioids can find their way into everyday places where teens live and learn.

How Can Schools Prevent Drug Use and Overdose in Teens? 

Teens spend a large portion of their lives in school, often more than 30 hours a week, making campuses not just centers for learning but also community environments where peers, staff, and caregivers cross paths daily. 

For some students, especially those from high‑risk environments or struggling with mental health challenges, school may be one of the few places adults are present during a crisis.  

Nearly 3 in 4 U.S. public schools now report some level of staff training to recognize overdose, and many now keep naloxone on campus as part of emergency planning [4].

Schools can take several steps to prepare for overdose emergencies or mental health crises among students, including to:

• Train staff and nurses to recognize and respond to overdoses
• Establish clear overdose response protocols
• Host educational sessions for students and families about fentanyl, synthetic opioids, and other illicit killers on the rise, such as Xylazine 
• Consider stocking overdose reversal medications like naloxone 

Should Florida Schools Carry Narcan to Prevent Teen Overdoses?

Narcan (naloxone) is an FDA-approved medication that can quickly reverse opioid overdoses, including those caused by fentanyl, heroin, and prescription opioids. When administered promptly, it can be lifesaving.

Florida law now allows schools to stock and administer Narcan, provided staff are trained. The Florida Department of Education and local school districts have issued guidance encouraging school nurses and trained personnel to maintain emergency doses [5]. 

Several Florida school districts have already taken action:

• Broward County Schools have naloxone kits in all high schools and train staff to respond to suspected overdoses.

• Miami-Dade County Schools implemented Narcan on certain campuses in 2024, pairing the program with student and parent education on drug awareness.

• Hillsborough and Orange counties report positive outcomes where overdoses were reversed on-site without fatalities.

Is Narcan Safe for Teens? Understanding How It Works 

Narcan works by quickly attaching to the same brain receptors that opioids do, which stops the drugs' effects and brings breathing back to normal until emergency medical services can arrive. 

Narcan comes in forms such as a nasal spray or an auto-injector, making it useful at home or in schools.

When it comes to safety, Narcan is actually very low-risk. Giving Narcan to a teen won't hurt them even if they haven't used opioids. Some of the most common side effects are mild and go away quickly, such as a runny nose, mild nausea, or a brief increase in heart rate. 

Some parents are concerned that having Narcan around could lead teens to try drugs, but studies show this isn't true. Narcan doesn't make people use drugs more; it simply saves lives when someone accidentally overdoses. Think of it as keeping a fire extinguisher in the home. 

Responding to an Overdose: How to Administer Narcan

Narcan can be administered in several ways, but the most common is via nasal spray. To safely administer Narcan in the case of an overdose, follow the instructions below: 

1. Call or have someone call emergency services

2. Take Narcan out of its box and peel back the cap with the circle to open the Narcan® Nasal Spray. 

3. DO NOT remove Narcan until ready to use, and DO NOT test the device. 

4. Hold the Narcan® Nasal Spray with your thumb positioned on the bottom of the plunger and your first and middle fingers placed on either side of the nozzle.

5. Tilt the person's head back and support their neck with your hands. Gently insert the nozzle tip into one nostril and press the plunger firmly to deliver the dose of Narcan. 

6. If the individual does not respond after 2-3 minutes, administer the second dose to the other nostril. Some substances, like fentanyl or newer synthetic opioids, are extremely potent and may require more than one dose for Narcan to take full effect.

7. Monitor their breathing and heart rate and wait for emergency services to arrive.  

Here is a step-by-step guide to administering Narcan with pictures.

Teen Overdose Prevention in Seminole County 

Lotus Behavioral Health is a residential treatment facility for teens located in Florida. Our programs are designed to support teens and their families with the tools they need to recover from substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. 

We are also committed to educating the local Winter Springs community on the opioid crisis and supporting efforts to prevent drug overdoses in teens. Our programs provide parents with the resources, education, and tools to safely store and administer Narcan in the case of an emergency.   

Sources 

[1] Panchal, N. et al. 2024. Teens, Drugs, and Overdose: Contrasting Pre-Pandemic and Current Trends. KFF. 

[2] Civilette, F. et al. 2024. Florida Nurses Can Combat Opioid Deaths. Florida Nurse. 

[3] Dela, J. et al. Teen Overdoses on Dad’s Fentanyl at Middle School in Englewood. ABC. 

[4] Panchal, N. 2025. How Schools Have Responded to the Youth Fentanyl Crisis. 

[5] IDEA Florida Opioid Antagonist Policy. 2025.