World Overdose Day: A Danger That Doesn’t Take a Break

An overdose happens when the body is overwhelmed—simple as that. Whether it's a prescribed painkiller, a weekend binge, or a surprise dose of fentanyl, it's about dosage and how the body handles it.

But here in Davidson County, we’re not just talking about overdoses in the mist of night or behind closed doors. We’re talking about school hallways and cafeteria vigilance.

Davidson County Schools are preparing to stock Narcan in every school building as part of a new policy aimed at preventing overdose deaths among students and staff. The move comes as county leaders continue to debate how to use millions of dollars in opioid settlement funds.

The Board of Education recently approved a policy to have naloxone (Narcan®) on site in each school, with at least one trained employee available to administer it in an emergency. Superintendent Dr. Gregg Slate said staff are already working on logistics, including training and sourcing supplies.

Advocates such as Dana Loomis have urged county leaders to make sure settlement funds support school safety efforts, prevention programs, and wider access to Narcan. Loomis noted that overdoses are affecting younger age groups, including teenagers, and argued that having naloxone in schools is a necessary step.

Davidson County is projected to receive more than $25 million in opioid settlement funding over the next 18 years. County commissioners have not reached final agreement on how the money should be divided, with proposals ranging from treatment programs and prevention education to law enforcement initiatives.

Loomis and other advocates are encouraging residents to contact Davidson County Commissioners to share their views on how the settlement funds should be used.