New Rochelle HS Nurses Save Student With Narcan After Vaping OD

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — A New Rochelle High School student overdosed and had to be revived with naloxone after vaping what the student believed at the time was marijuana on Monday, school officials said.

"Today marks an ominous milestone in our schools — one we had hoped would never be necessary," Superintendent Jonathan Raymond wrote in a letter to families, dated Jan. 9. "For the first time, our nursing staff had to use Narcan to save a student who vaped what the student believed to be marijuana. The vape almost cost that student their life."

The superintendent implored parents to talk with their children about the dangers of vaping before it's too late. The head of the school district said that the situation is especially dangerous because the device used is still out there and has the potential to threaten the health or lives of others who use it.

School officials said that while it has not been confirmed the substance that harmed the student was fentanyl, it is well-known that vaping devices and drugs purchased on the street may contain the synthetic opioid that caused an epidemic of overdoses across the nation.

"I commend our nurses at New Rochelle High School for their quick and effective response," Raymond said. "Their actions may well have saved this student’s life. I pray that we can reach others in our community to prevent other incidences."

Raymond encouraged everyone to talk to their doctors or pharmacist about getting a Narcan prescription. "Everyone is eligible to receive it, and you simply never know when you might need it to save a life," the superintendent wrote.

The schools chief also asked parents and caregivers to talk to their children and encourage them to share any information they may have about the cartridges, vapes or other banned items in or around New Rochelle schools. Raymond said tips can be reported via the school district's anonymous reporting system.

The superintendent also reminded students that, if at any time, they are with a friend who has overdosed, they can call 911 without fear of repercussion. "There is nothing more important than the health, safety, and wellbeing of our students and it takes all of us to prevent a fatal overdose," Raymond wrote.

The full text of Superintendent's letter to families and a list of resources that could prevent an overdose tragedy can be found at the link below.