UP Gazette

Rep. Prestin, a representative from Cedar River, has announced that his top priority in the new year will be to pass legislation requiring school districts to obtain and distribute Narcan, an opioid antagonist. The legislation, known as HB 4734, is part of a bipartisan package aimed at addressing the concerning rise of fentanyl trafficking in the United States.

Prestin emphasized the importance of having Narcan readily available in schools to ensure the safety of students, families, and staff. He expressed his concern for potential incidents involving fentanyl in schools, stating, "God forbid any child, parent, or teacher should come to school and need Narcan. In the event these horrifying circumstances come to our communities, we want our schools to be ready."

Highlighting the dangers of fentanyl exposure, Prestin referred to a recent incident in Virginia where five children were hospitalized after consuming gummy bears laced with the drug. He stressed that even small amounts of fentanyl can be lethal, particularly for children. Prestin, who has a background as a paramedic, explained, "When people, especially children, who haven't been previously exposed to opioids come into contact with fentanyl, their bodies can't handle it. They stop breathing almost immediately. Naloxone will stop the overdose and save lives."

HB 4734 is currently being considered by the House Education Committee, and Prestin expressed confidence that legislators will work together to pass the bill. He noted that the legislation has garnered bipartisan support, stating, "This legislation is one of the most bipartisan packages in the legislature. I'm proud to have the support of many of my Democratic colleagues on this because the opioid crisis affects Wayne and Kent counties the same way it affects our U.P. communities."

Prestin urged his fellow legislators to prioritize this issue in the coming year, emphasizing that no community is immune to the opioid crisis. He stated, "No community is immune to the problem. When my colleagues are looking for what they want to accomplish in 2024, my hope is they see how important this issue is. I'm thinking they will."

As the new year approaches, Rep. Prestin's commitment to addressing the opioid crisis by making Narcan available in schools is poised to become a top legislative priority. With bipartisan support and a focus on saving lives, Prestin aims to equip communities with the tools necessary to combat the illegal trade of fentanyl and protect the well-being of students across the state.

To find out more, go to this link: https://gophouse.org/posts/rep-prestin-plan-to-put-narcan-in-schools-a-top-priority-in-new-year