From 2019 to 2025 there was 82.15% in overdoses across Georgia. Specifically in 2025, over a 6 month span Dekalb County saw a 75% increase in overdoses. There is a life saving medication called Narcan (naloxone) that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. During an overdose, every second counts. Having Narcan easily accessible saves lives in and outside the classroom.

As of right now, Decatur High School has 4 units of Narcan for approximately 1,900+ students. Narcan is located in the Student Center on the 3.0 floor and the Nurse’s Office on the 2.5 floor. Due to the small number of units, as well as the fact that the units DHS does have, are located so close together, access is limited throughout the six-story building. This also excludes the PAC, a separate, two-story building where there is no Narcan easily accessible.  

As Decatur High School students, we have brought this issue before the Decatur Board of Education in April of 2026. We researched the benefits and safety of Narcan, examined our school’s current resources and layout, and worked to address concerns about implementation and security. Still no movement has happened to resolve this issue by CSD.

We strongly believe that increased access to Narcan is a step toward saving lives in our school and community.

Every signature by students, parents, school staff and community members on this petition demonstrates that this issue affects the safety of our community. Sign this petition to support increased access to Narcan at Decatur High School and encourage the Board of Education to work with students NOW to find a solution and save lives!!