Central Unified students are taking a proactive approach to address the opioid crisis by advocating for the availability of Narcan on their school campuses. The initiative, led by a group of students, has resulted in the placement of life-saving medication in every classroom to combat overdoses from opioids, including fentanyl.
Superintendent Ketti Davis commended the students for their efforts, emphasizing the importance of having Narcan readily available in case of emergencies. Nikolas Castanon, one of the students involved in the proposal, highlighted the significance of open dialogues about substance misuse and fentanyl to reduce stigma and increase awareness.
The student-led policy has expanded to ensure that Narcan is accessible in all buildings on campus, with school safety officers also equipped with the life-saving treatment. Additionally, students participating in a health and wellness internship are actively educating their peers about the dangers of fentanyl through awareness campaigns and social media outreach.
Central Unified’s initiative is part of a larger effort in Fresno County to address the opioid crisis, with other school districts also making Narcan available on their campuses. Superintendent Michele Cantwell-Copher praised the students for their involvement in raising awareness and believes that their voices will make a significant impact in combating the issue.
Through their advocacy and education efforts, Central Unified students are demonstrating how young people can make a difference in addressing critical issues like the opioid crisis within their school communities.