Adapt Pharma offering free overdose reversal kits to U.S. high schools

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Any high school in the U.S. can now get an emergency opioid kits free of charge from Adapt Pharma as part of a Clinton Foundation initiative. Adapt Pharma produces naloxone hydrochloride, an overdose reversal drug. Each school is being offered a free carton of NARCAN (naloxone hydrochloride) Nasal Spray.

The two groups announced the initiative at the Clinton Health Matters Initiative Activation Summit on Tuesday. Adapt Pharma is also providing a grant to the National Association of School Nurses to support opioid overdose education.

"We understand the crucial role schools can play to change the course of the opioid overdose epidemic by working with students and families. We also want every high school in the country to be prepared for an opioid emergency by having access to a carton of NARCAN Nasal Spray at no cost," said Seamus Mulligan, Chairman and CEO of Adapt Pharma

NARCAN is the only nasal spray approved by the FDA. School nurses often act as first responders in school settings, and the National Association of Student Nurses praised the initiative.

"We educate our students, families, and school staff about prescription drug and substance abuse, and help families seek appropriate treatment and recovery options," NASN President Beth Mattey said. "Having access to naloxone can save lives and is often the first step toward recovery. We are taking a proactive approach to address the possibility of a drug overdose in school."