Rep. Jarrells Highlights Ohio's School Naloxone Law as Federal Leaders Look to Expand Overdose Prevention in Schools

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) today praised Federal lawmakers for considering legislation to expand access to overdose-reversal medications in schools. In January 2026, House Bill 57 (HB 57), which authorizes schools to store and administer overdose-reversal medication, such as Naloxone, in emergencies to prevent fatal overdoses among students and staff, went into effect in Ohio. The bipartisan legislation championed by Rep. Jarrells and Majority Whip Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) places Ohio as a leading state in overdose prevention in K-12 schools.  

In the United States, overdose deaths among youth ages 10 to 19 increased by 168% between 2018 and 2022. In 2022 alone, at least 61 Ohioans under the age of 20 died from unintentional drug overdoses.

“Every generation is called to confront the threats facing its children. Fentanyl is one of the defining threats of ours,” said Rep. Jarrells. “When a student stops breathing, politics no longer matters. Geography no longer matters. The only thing that matters is whether someone nearby has the tools to save that child’s life. HB 57 helps ensure they do.”

Under the existing law, school districts choosing to carry naloxone must adopt policies governing its use, maintain the medication in secure but accessible locations, and ensure trained personnel can administer it during an emergency. The legislation also allows schools to accept donations of overdose-reversal medications and requires reporting and parent notification when overdose concerns emerge.

HB 57 received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Ohio General Assembly and reflects a growing consensus that schools must be prepared to respond to overdose emergencies just as they prepare for cardiac events, severe weather, or other crises.

“Ohio chose action because our children could not afford inaction,” continued Rep. Jarrells. “This law is about giving our young people a second chance. Giving a family another hug, another birthday, another opportunity to watch their child grow up. If naloxone is available when that moment comes, a tragedy can become a survival story.”

As policymakers across the country continue searching for solutions to the opioid epidemic, Ohio’s school naloxone law stands as an example of bipartisan action focused on one goal: saving lives.