Montana school gets first opioid reversal kit under new program

(The Center Square) – Montana has a new program to put life-saving naloxone kits in public schools.

Also known as opioid reversal kits, the material will be in Montana’s middle schools and high schools. They will include naloxone, instructions on how to use said medication, a CPR respirator mask, and a CPR face shield.

Attorney General Austin Knudsen said in a statement that the program builds on his “mission” to fight the widespread fentanyl crisis in Montana communities and schools.

“Educating students on the dangers of fentanyl is the first step in preventing more tragedies, but having naloxone on hand will help schools be prepared for a worst-case scenario,” said Knudsen. “It’s more important than ever as the Mexican cartels are getting more creative and disguising the deadly drug as candy and other drugs.”

Knudsen added that more needs to be done. Parents, for example, should talk to their children about the danger of illicit drugs.

“Together, we can save lives,” said Knudsen.

In 2022, the most recent year available, at least 326 children ages 0-17 went to an emergency room or were hospitalized in Montana due to what the state called an unintentional overdose. That was up from 276 in 2021. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports drug overdose deaths for minors are also on the rise.

Fentanyl seizures by Montana’s anti-drug task forces have also increased. 163,184 dosage units of fentanyl were seized through the first quarter of 2024. During the same time in 2023, it was 65,142.

“We appreciate our partnership with the Attorney General’s Office and their efforts to keep students safe,” said Billings Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Erwin Garcia, who joined the attorney general for the announcement and delivery of the first naloxone kit to Billings Senior High School.