Dear Ponder ISD Families,
The safety and wellness of our students and staff is always our top priority. To further protect health and safety, each Ponder ISD campus now stocks undesignated epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) and opioid antagonists (Narcan), a nasal spray.
Unassigned epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) are indicated for children or adults who are reasonably believed to be experiencing anaphylaxis on a school campus and do not have or carry their own emergency medication. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that may involve multiple body systems. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention and treatment. If your child currently has a known severe allergy requiring an EpiPen, then you must still provide that to the school.
Unassigned opioid antagonists (Narcan) are used to assist a person in the event of suspicion of an opioid-related drug overdose. Narcan affects only opioids and will not harm an individual who has not taken an opioid.
The campus nurse or other trained district employees may administer these undesignated emergency medications to a person when they, in good faith, believe a person is having a medical emergency.
If a stock emergency medication is administered, parent/guardian will be notified and 911 will be called as both anaphylaxis and opioid overdose are life-threatening conditions.
Thank you,
Dr. James Hill
Superintendent
Ponder ISD