Mt. Lebanon Schools To Stock Antidote For Opioid Overdoses

MT. LEBANON (KDKA) -- The Mt. Lebanon School District is working to stock a potentially life-saving antidote for opioid overdoses.

On Friday, a message from Superintendent Timothy J. Steinhauer was sent to parents conveying the seriousness of opioid addiction.

"In recent years, opioid addiction has become a major health concern that impacts people of all socio-economic and educational backgrounds. Opioids include certain drugs like heroin as well as prescription medicines used to treat pain or other conditions. Taken in large doses, opioids can cause respiratory depression, leading to overdose and possible death."

The message goes on to explain that the passing of Act 130 of 2014 and new Board Policy JLCDA allow them to stock and administer naxolone, a drug used to counteract the effects of opioids.

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"We are pleased to be one of the first school districts in the area to have this important medication on hand to help ensure the safety of our students, staff, and school visitors," the statement read.

St. Clair Hospital is reportedly providing the drug to schools free of charge.

The superintendent assures parents that building health staff and principals were trained by Medical Rescue Team South Authority (MRTSA) to administer naloxone in case of a suspected overdose.

This is a developing story, stay with KDKA and KDKA.com for more details.