Nashville, TN, August 20, 2025
News Summary
In a proactive effort to address the rising opioid crisis, Nashville public schools will implement Narcan availability in all Metro Nashville Public Schools. Starting with the 2025 academic year, specialized OneBox units containing doses of Narcan and instructional materials will be placed throughout the school facilities. The initiative, led by local officials, is part of broader community outreach programs aimed at overdose awareness, including volunteer opportunities and educational events.
Nashville Schools to Implement Narcan Availability and Community Initiatives for Overdose Awareness
Nashville public schools will begin the 2025 academic year with a proactive measure to combat the rising issues of opioid overdoses by making Narcan available in all 138 Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS). Designed to aid in emergency overdose situations, Narcan will be provided in specialized OneBox units strategically placed throughout school facilities.
Each OneBox will contain two doses of Narcan, accompanied by an instructional video to guide individuals on how to administer the medication in case of an overdose. This initiative, spearheaded by Nashville’s night mayor, Benton McDonough, follows earlier successful installations of Narcan boxes in local sporting venues, reflecting the city’s commitment to reduce stigma associated with opioid overdoses and improve overall community response.
In addition to the Narcan initiative within schools, STARS Nashville is hosting a range of community events aimed at enhancing awareness around addiction and overdose education. On August 26, 2025, volunteers are invited to an event at Ford Ice, Bellevue, where they will work with Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists (ROPS) to assemble overdose reversal kits and participate in discussions about the ongoing opioid crisis.
The event at Ford Ice will run from 1:00 to 4:00 PM and offers attendees an opportunity to gain valuable insights into addiction education. To participate or for more details, individuals can contact Kay Higgs via email or reach out to STARS Nashville’s office at 615-279-0058.
Furthermore, an Overdose Awareness Gathering Event is scheduled at Bethel Church of the Nazarene on August 28, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, serving as another platform for community education on overdose awareness.
Nashville’s public health initiatives are bolstered by additional measures, including the installation of Naloxone vending machines throughout the city. The first of these machines launched on April 15, 2025, located outside Twice Daily at 1702 West End Ave., distributing approximately 1,500 doses of Naloxone weekly. Partnerships with organizations like Fund Recovery and Twice Daily have played a critical role in increasing accessibility and enhancing community awareness regarding overdose prevention.
The urgency of these initiatives is underscored by troubling statistics surrounding overdose deaths in Nashville. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, was present in approximately 70% of suspected overdose fatalities, with cases concerning the drug xylazine increasing by 46.5% in early 2025 compared to the previous year. However, the city has experienced a decrease in overdose deaths, with reported fatalities dropping from 701 in 2024 to 529 in 2025. These statistics indicate both the tension surrounding substance use issues and the effectiveness of Nashville’s response efforts.
Nashville’s community continues to grapple with mixed feelings about the distribution of naloxone, yet advocates highlight its critical role in saving lives. Narcan is recognized for its simplicity, requiring minimal instruction similar to using an EpiPen. These public health initiatives, combined with resources like the TN REDLINE for individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders, represent Nashville’s commitment to tackling the opioid epidemic head-on.
Furthermore, the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council has allocated substantial funds for statewide recovery programs that aim to facilitate recovery and reduce the incidence of overdose situations across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Narcan?
Narcan is a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. It can quickly restore normal breathing in individuals who have overdosed on opioids.
Where will Narcan be available in Nashville schools?
Narcan will be available in OneBox units located in all 138 Metro Nashville Public Schools.
What can I do to help with overdose awareness efforts?
You can volunteer at community events organized by STARS Nashville, such as the assembly of overdose reversal kits and discussion panels.
When is the Overdose Awareness Gathering Event?
The Overdose Awareness Gathering Event will occur on August 28, 2025, at Bethel Church of the Nazarene, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
How effective is Naloxone in preventing overdose deaths?
Naloxone has been proven to be an effective emergency treatment that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, significantly improving the chances of survival.
Key Features of Narcan Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Narcan Availability | Available in OneBox units across 138 MNPS schools. |
| Training | Instructional videos included for emergency use guidance. |
| Community Events | Educational and volunteer opportunities hosted by STARS Nashville. |
| Partnerships | Collaborations with local organizations and state departments for support. |
| Success Metrics | Decrease in overdose deaths reported from 701 in 2024 to 529 in 2025. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- News Channel 5: Nashville Public Schools Install Narcan Boxes
- Axios: Tennessee Slowdown in Overdose Deaths
- Nashville Scene: Free Naloxone Vending Machine
- WKRN: Fentanyl Contributes to Most Overdose Deaths in Nashville
- Nashville Banner: Naloxone Use Downtown Nashville
- Wikipedia: Narcan
- Google Search: Opioid Overdose Prevention
- Google Scholar: Naloxone Effectiveness
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Opioid Epidemic
- Google News: Nashville Overdose Awareness
Author: HERE Nashville
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