Source: Courtesy Oshkosh Area School District
Feb 5, 2025, 6:39 AM CST
OSHKOSH, WI- (WISS) – Overdose Aid Kits or O.A.Ks are now in every middle and high school in the Oshkosh Area School District. The district partnered with the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Overdose Response Network and Start Healing Now to install the OAKs.
OASD will host a community event on Friday, February 7th, at 1:00 p.m. featuring state and school leaders, national prevention organizations, community partners, and individuals impacted by the opioid crisis.
The Overdose Aid Kits contain naloxone nasal spray, commonly known as NARCAN®; CPR breathing barriers; drug administration instructions; fentanyl testing strips; and information about treatment and recovery support.
Naloxone works in minutes to reverse the effects of opioid overdose and does not affect someone if opioids are not present in their system.
“This initiative reflects our comprehensive approach to emergency preparedness,” said Julie Conrad, OASD assistant superintendent of operations. “While our schools have not seen an increase in drug-related incidents, we recognize that today’s realities require us to be prepared for any emergency. Just as we maintain AED devices and conduct emergency drills, these kits represent another layer in our safety planning.”
The O.A.K. program has already demonstrated an impact nationally, with CGI’s Overdose Response Network installing over 3,500 kits nationwide, including 955 across Wisconsin. Jessica Geschke, Senior Project Manager at CGI Overdose Response Network, emphasized, “Surviving an overdose is the first step toward recovery. Making naloxone readily available when and where it’s needed is crucial to addressing overdose deaths and supporting long-term recovery.”
The naloxone and other supplies in the Overdose Aid Kits are available for free to anyone who may need them, whether for emergency use or as a preventive measure. This approach aligns with national efforts to expand access to life-saving resources in schools and community spaces.
A press release from OASD said that earlier this month, middle and high school staff participated in comprehensive training covering multiple aspects of overdose prevention and response. The training included hands-on instruction in naloxone administration, harm reduction strategies, and proper use of O.A.K. contents.
Date: February 7, 2025
Time: 1 PM
Location: Vel Phillips Middle School – Atrium (1401 Kentucky St, Oshkosh, WI 54901)
Entrance: Main entrance (from Kentucky Street) or Events Lobby entrance (from main parking lot)
The forum will include:
The event is open to all community members.
