Jenna Walter
Executive Theme Editor
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has agreed to implement Narcan, a substance known to reverse opioid overdoses in schools in its district by the end of October.
On Sept. 13, Bernstein High School student Melanie Ramos overdosed from pills laced with fentanyl in her school’s bathroom. Ramos’ death followed several other teen overdoses in LAUSD schools.
“I think [narcan is] something that all schools should have in case something happens to a student,” said Costa Principal Dr. Gerger. “For safety and for means of counteracting an overdose if it does happen at school.”
From Sept.12-Sept.16, two teenage boys, ages 15 and 16, were arrested for their connection with Ramos’ death and other drug deals in the surrounding area. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the younger teen was held on suspicion of manslaughter.
“The events regarding Melanie are beyond tragic and scary,” said junior Mckenzie Krauch. “I hope this spreads awareness to schools beyond LAUSD [and reminds] people to stay safe from these things.”
According to KCRA News, police all across the country have warned about the dangers of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid known to be 80-100 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl is commonly mixed into illicit pills and disguised as common painkillers. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, only a two milligram dosage of fentanyl is lethal depending on one’s body size.
“From what I’ve heard and read about it, [overdose] is something that is increasingly available for teens,” said junior Josie McCalla. “It’s obviously easily disguised as something safe for teens.”
According to LAPD chief Michael Moore, the teens are just pawns involved in a larger drug trade with adults. LAUSD will start implementing parent outreach and counselor support to warn students of the dangers of fentanyl.
“I hope Costa will quickly start implementing drug safety measures on campus,” said Krauch. “I also just wish teens were smarter when it comes to buying medications, even if it’s marketed as safe.”
LAUSD superintendent Alberto Carvalho has introduced Narcan to schools K-12, which accounts for about 1000 schools. The LA County Health Department has agreed to supply this medication for free.
“By putting narcan into schools, I think [LAUSD is] taking a good step towards safety in its schools,” said Gerger. “It’s something we are looking into here on campus.”
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