Op-Ed | Preparedness is prevention in New York City schools | amNewYork

"In a New York City school, an unexpected medical situation can unfold quickly. When a student shows signs of distress, school staff are often the first to respond. In those moments, having clear protocols, access to tools like naloxone, and the confidence that comes from training can shape how effectively a situation is handled. When that preparation is in place, the response looks very different. Staff recognize the signs of an overdose, act quickly, and follow a plan they've practiced."

"Prevention is often associated with education and awarenessand those are essential. But in the context of the opioid crisis, prevention also means readiness. It means equipping the places where young people spend their time with the skills, tools, and support needed to respond effectively. The urgency is real. Opioid overdose deaths among New Yorkers ages 15 to 24 nearly doubled, rising from 48 in 2019 to 87 in 2022, according to the NYC Chief Medical Examiner and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene."

"When the stakes are this high, schools cannot be expected to respond alone. That is why partnerships between schools and healthcare providers are so important. One example is the collaboration between Family Health Centers at NYU Langone and NYU Langone's Prevention Education Partnership (PEP), which is building a whole-school approach to overdose prevention. The model includes updating emergency response plans, training staff and school communities to recognize overdoses and use naloxone, ensuring the medication is accessible, and strengthening pathways to behavioral health and substance use support."

In New York City schools, staff are often the first to respond when a student shows signs of distress. Clear protocols, accessible tools such as naloxone, and confidence from training can change outcomes by enabling rapid recognition and coordinated action. Prevention includes education and awareness, but in the opioid crisis it also requires readiness in the places where young people spend time. Opioid overdose deaths among New Yorkers ages 15 to 24 nearly doubled from 2019 to 2022. Schools cannot respond alone, so partnerships with healthcare providers are important. A collaboration between Family Health Centers at NYU Langone and NYU Langone’s Prevention Education Partnership builds a whole-school approach by updating emergency plans, training staff and communities, ensuring naloxone access, and strengthening pathways to behavioral health and substance use support.

Read at www.amny.com