Oshkosh Area School District to Host Overdose Prevention Awareness Event February 7
š£FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEš£
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
OASD Media Contact: Katie Nieman, Communication Director
920.966.0080, katie.nieman@oshkosh.k12.wi.us
Oshkosh Area School District to Host Overdose Prevention Awareness Event February 7
Oshkosh, WI ā The Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) announced today the expansion of its emergency preparedness resources with the installation of Overdose Aid Kits (O.A.K.s) in all middle and high schools, in partnership with the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Overdose Response Network and Start Healing Now. The district will host a community event on February 7 featuring state and school leaders, national prevention organizations, along with community partners and individuals impacted by the opioid crisis.
The Overdose Aid Kits contain naloxone nasal spray, commonly known as NARCANĀ®; CPR breathing barriers; drug administration instructions; fentanyl testing strips; and information about treatment and recovery support. Naloxone works in minutes to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, and has no effect on someone if opioids are not present in their system.
"This initiative reflects our comprehensive approach to emergency preparedness," said Julie Conrad, OASD assistant superintendent of operations. "While our schools have not seen an increase in drug-related incidents, we recognize that today's realities require us to be prepared for any emergency. Just as we maintain AED devices and conduct emergency drills, these kits represent another layer in our safety planning."
The O.A.K. program has already demonstrated significant impact nationally, with CGI's Overdose Response Network installing over 3,500 kits nationwide, including 955 across Wisconsin. Jessica Geschke, Senior Project Manager at CGI Overdose Response Network, emphasized, "Surviving an overdose is the first step toward recovery. Making naloxone readily available when and where it's needed is crucial to addressing overdose deaths and supporting long-term recovery."
Community Conversation Event Details:
Date: February 7, 2025
Time: 1 PM
Location: Vel Phillips Middle School - Atrium (1401 Kentucky St, Oshkosh, WI 54901)
Entrance: Main entrance (from Kentucky Street) or Events Lobby entrance (from main parking lot)
The forum will include:
Remarks from Senator Tammy Baldwin (via video), Senator Jesse James, and school leaders
Training and education from CGI, Start Healing Now and Song for Charlie staff
Personal testimonies from community members
Information about local support resources
Optional naloxone administration training
The event is open to all community members.
Earlier this month, OASD middle and high school staff participated in comprehensive training covering multiple aspects of overdose prevention and response. The training included hands-on instruction in naloxone administration, harm reduction strategies, and proper use of O.A.K. contents. Staff also attended a powerful Song for Charlie presentation highlighting the deadly risks of drug use/abuse, fentanyl exposure, and counterfeit pills. Following the training, the district has proactively shared information about these resources with families, and schools have engaged in educational conversations with students about the availability and purpose of these kits.
The naloxone and other supplies in the Overdose Aid Kits are available for free to anyone who may need them, whether for emergency use or as a preventive measure. This approach aligns with national efforts to expand access to life-saving resources in schools and community spaces.
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About the OASD: Building community through education. The Oshkosh Area School District is located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, serving over 9,000 students and operating 13 elementary schools, four middle schools, two high schools, and an eAcademy. For more information, visit www.oshkosh.k12.wi.us.