Bill would fund school grants for naloxone and overdose response plans

What does this do?

The HERO Act creates a federal grant program letting HHS award one-year competitive grants to public school districts and private schools to purchase opioid overdose reversal drugs like naloxone and build emergency response plans. Applicants must also develop education programs on CPR, drug-use prevention, and overdose response, with priority given to schools in areas with high opioid overdose rates. Recipients must also report each distribution of overdose reversal drugs into two federal tracking systems, NEMSIS and ODMAP.

Who does it affect?

Public and private K-12 schools, especially in areas with serious opioid problems, along with school staff, students, and local health departments. HHS and the Department of Education would manage the grants and reporting requirements.

Why does it matter?

Schools receiving these grants would take on new training, planning, and reporting obligations tied to opioid overdose response. Federal agencies would gain expanded data on overdose reversal drug use in schools, which could inform future oversight or funding decisions.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• HHS-funded one-year competitive grants
• Covers drug purchases and response plans
• Priority to high-overdose areas