Child Positive For Fentanyl After Medicine Swap At Arlington Heights School: Lawyer

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — The family of a student at Westgate Elementary School has hired a lawyer after the child's doctor said their blood work showed signs of "excessive aspirin intake," and tested positive for fentanyl.

Romanucci & Blandin, a Chicago-based law firm, tells Patch they have evidence the school did not "properly" dispense children's prescription medication, instead giving students substitute medications. They are urging "immediate" medical examinations for any child who received medication at the school.

According to a letter sent to parents by Arlington Heights School District 25 on Tuesday, provided to Patch, a nurse at the school is being investigated for the "misuse" of prescription medication intended for students and has been placed on administrative leave. The actions of the registered nurse are currently being investigated by the Arlington Heights Police Department, according to the letter.

The district also said it has reported the matter to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

"District 25 is cooperating fully with law enforcement in their investigation of this matter and will not hesitate to take appropriate disciplinary and/or legal action if warranted," the letter, signed by Superintendent Lori Bean, said.

District 25 said the families of Westgate students who allow the school to dispense prescription medications were contacted. They were asked to visit the school and "verify both the contents and the quantity of medication maintained onsite at the health office."

"Like you, we are deeply disappointed to learn of this potential breach of trust. The safety and well-being of our students, staff and school community is a top priority. Please know that all District 25 staff members are subject to extensive pre-employment background checks," Bean said.

Romanucci & Blandin said the family's name and their child's identity, health history and exact medications are being withheld to protect the child's privacy.

"This situation is a parent's nightmare and a complete violation of trust they place in a school and medical providers to keep their children safe," said Gina A. DeBoni, managing partner at Romanucci & Blandin. "We are talking about innocent elementary school children who have medical needs that their physicians and parents are managing with prescription medication. For those children not to receive the exact medication or dosage they need can have tragic health consequences."

The law firm said the allegations came to light earlier this week when Westgate Elementary School parents were informed their child may not have received their proper medication at school. The parents believe their child suffered health issues because of the medicine swap, and the law firm said it is in communication with Arlington Heights police.

"This situation is abhorrent, and we feel thoroughly betrayed by the violation of trust we placed in Westgate Elementary School and its staff, who were given the privilege of caring for our child," the parents said in a statement provided to Patch. "We are highly concerned for the health of our child and will not rest until we understand exactly what happened and see that the appropriate people are held accountable."