Student's Non-Fatal Overdose Prompts Notification By Loudoun Schools Superintendent

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Loudoun County families will soon send students back to school as the opioid epidemic remains a concern.

Loudoun County Public Schools Superintendent Aaron Spence notified families Wednesday about a non-fatal overdose involving a student. The overdose happened in a non-school setting and required hospitalization. No other details about the student or the overdose were provided to protect the student's privacy.

"While this incident was not connected to LCPS, I wanted to bring this to your attention as we prepare to start the new school year," Spence wrote to families. "Opioid use continues to be a local, state and national issue, and we are grappling with how best to navigate it as a school division."

Spence said all LCPS campuses have the opioid overdose-reversing Naloxone and at least one administrator, nurse, student assistance specialist and school security officer trained in administering it. Administrators, student health services staff, student assistance specialists, school counseling directors, athletic trainers, senior staff and cabinet members, coaches, athletic directions and safety and security officers received the training.

Students are reminded that LCPS policy bans alcohol, illicit and unauthorized drugs, tobacco, and electronic cigarettes in schools. In LCPS, safety concerns may be reported through the Safe2Talk anonymous tip app.

The school division shared resources about addressing fentanyl and opioid use and plans to hold community sessions throughout the year.

LCPS has been notifying families about recent overdoses involving students, including those not at school. A report of eight overdoses involving students at a Loudoun County high school — and over a dozen juvenile overdoses in the county that year — drew the attention of Gov. Glenn Youngkin. The governor issued an executive order in November 2023 requiring parental notification within 24 hours. This year, he signed legislation by Sen. Jennifer Carroll Foy (D-Prince William) codifying the 24-hour parental notification for school-related drug overdoses. Youngkin vetoed a House version by Del. Holly Seibold (D-Fairfax), which didn't have the part about notifying parents within 24 hours.

Those in need of assistance with substance abuse can contact Loudoun County's Mental Health, Substance Abuse & Developmental Services. The emergency number for Mental Health, Substance Abuse & Developmental Services is 703-777-0320. If someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration operates a 24/7 hotline for people struggling with addiction at 1-800-662-4357.