The state of Georgia is set to enhance safety measures in its public schools by equipping all 2,300 campuses with naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. This initiative, funded by a legal settlement with the pharmaceutical industry, aims to combat the growing opioid crisis and is expected to be fully implemented by spring.
Distribution of the overdose reversal kits began in the fall, targeting areas in metro Atlanta as well as southwest and central Georgia. According to Kevin Tanner, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, this program presents a rare opportunity to use settlement funds for preventative measures. “Putting overdose reversal kits in every Georgia school is a practical, compassionate use of those dollars. It means we are giving our educators and communities a fighting chance to stop a preventable death,” Tanner remarked in a statement released on December 5, 2025.
Collaboration for Training and Preparedness
The Georgia Department of Education is collaborating with Tanner’s department to provide training resources to school staff, ensuring readiness for potential emergencies. Richard Woods, the state school superintendent, emphasized the importance of this partnership in preparing schools to respond effectively to overdose incidents.
This initiative follows the passage of Senate Bill 395, also known as “Wesley’s Law,” which was enacted last year. The law mandates that schools maintain a supply of naloxone, with products such as Narcan and Evzio being the primary options. It also allows teachers and other school personnel to carry and administer the medication on school grounds.
The Impact of Opioid Overdoses
The urgency for such measures is underscored by the alarming rise in opioid-related overdoses, particularly those involving fentanyl. The law was co-sponsored by Sen. Clint Dixon from Buford, who advocated for this legislation in memory of a family member lost to a fentanyl overdose.
As Georgia moves forward with this initiative, the focus is not just on providing supplies but also on fostering a culture of awareness and preparedness within schools. This proactive approach reflects a broader commitment to addressing the opioid crisis at a community level, ensuring that educators are equipped to save lives in emergencies.
With naloxone kits in every public school, Georgia aims to establish a safety standard that could serve as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges.
