According to Ms. Juana Arredondo, assistant to the dean of students, the Dean’s Office at Brophy College Preparatory has maintained a stock of Narcan for the past three years. 

Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. Since 2017, Narcan has saved at least 103,000 lives. 

Football coach and teacher Mr. Scott Heideman, who speaks with students about opioid awareness in his health class, said Brophy must look at the big picture regarding uncertainties like opioid overdoses.

 “Is it possible? For sure. Anything’s possible. Is it likely? I don’t think so,” said Mr. Heideman.  “But I think it would be smart to have it, just in case, right? Because it’s about getting the kids help. It’s there to save lives.”  

Mr. Heideman said that he thinks keeping Narcan in a centralized location. Specifically, the dean’s office has benefits. He compared it to automatic external defibrillators, which are extensively distributed across campus in case of cardiac episodes.

 “It’s not like the AEDs, right? The AEDs are everywhere because there are a bunch of old people like me on this campus,” said Mr. Heideman, referencing AEDs being more likely to be used compared to Narcan. “So with Narcan, I think having just one centralized location would be smart.”

Some critics say the downsides of Narcan may be overlooked.” Narcan can put opioid users in withdrawal,” said Dr. Lewis Nelson after speaking with CBS News, leading to double the dose of the substance in their system.

The number of opioid-related deaths in the United States is eight times higher than in 1999. Maricopa County has seen a 24% increase in the past decade related to opioid overdoses.  The city of Phoenix is considering equipping first responders with Narcan as well.