Massachusetts High School Adds Narcan Training to Health Curriculum

Massachusetts High School Teaches Narcan Training to Fight Opioid Crisis

Durfee High School in Fall River, Massachusetts, is taking a groundbreaking step to address the opioid crisis by adding Narcan training to its 11th and 12th grade Health II curriculum. Starting this term, students will receive hands-on training to learn how and when to administer Narcan, a nasal spray used to reverse opioid overdoses.

The decision, approved by the Fall River school committee, aims to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to save lives. "We wanted to give them that skill and peace of mind to equip them to save a life and give somebody a second chance," said one educator involved in the program.

Students will dedicate a single day to learning this life-saving practice, alongside other emergency response skills such as CPR. While initially limited to Durfee High School, educators hope the program's success will inspire other schools in the district to adopt similar training.

For families hesitant about the addition, the school offers an opt-out option with an alternative health assignment. The city of Fall River has seen significant progress in reducing overdose deaths thanks to increased community education and intervention efforts. According to officials, overdose numbers have dropped from over 1,000 in past years to under 400 expected this year.

The introduction of Narcan training at Durfee High School reflects a broader effort to combat the opioid epidemic through education and preparedness. As one supporter put it, "If we can build more education into the system to help others, I’m all for it."