Springfield, IL – Schools in Illinois can now keep naloxone on hand and secure it without a prescription. The updated standing order by the Illinois Department of Public Health also allows the opioid-reversing drug to be administered to someone exhibiting signs of an overdose on school property by school nurses or other trained personnel.
Illinois is just one of nine states to have this requirement for schools. Under the law which took effect at January 1, 2024, public and private schools are now required to keep a supply of an opioid antagonist on hand. The revised order also adds nalmefene as an approved opioid antagonist.
“Access to naloxone in schools will potentially save the life of a student experiencing an overdose and give them a chance at getting help and recovery,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “It’s exceedingly rare that a student experiences an overdose in school, but if and when that happens, this order will reduce the time it takes to give them life-saving medication. I am proud of the collaboration between ISBE and IDPH to meet the needs of school districts, school nurses, and teachers who may respond in a crisis when someone needs the naloxone while on school grounds.”
Illinois State Board of Education records show that during the 2022-23 school year, there were ten instances where school personnel administered an opioid antagonist to a student exhibiting signs of an overdose. Each of the incidents happened during regular school hours.