Nash County Public Schools Grateful for Partnership with Nash County to Equip All 115 School Buses with Life-Saving Naloxone and ONEbox Kits
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NASHVILLE, NC (March 9, 2026) – Nash County Public Schools is proud to announce that all 115 district school buses are now equipped with life-saving Naloxone and ONEbox overdose response kits, made possible through the partnership and generous support of Nash County, the Nash County Board of Commissioners, the Nash County Opioid Settlement Advisory Council, and the C.A.R.E. Coalition.
Through opioid settlement funding prioritized by the Nash County Board of Commissioners, Nash County invested:
- 115 ONEbox units (including shipping): $17,454
- 120 boxes of Naloxone (two doses per box): $3,981.60
- Total Investment: $21,435.60
Each ONEbox contains Naloxone along with simple, accessible video instructions to guide use during an emergency. Naloxone is a safe and effective medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when administered quickly.
On behalf of Nash County Public Schools Transportation, district leaders extended sincere appreciation to county officials for their unwavering commitment to student safety.
“Equipping all 115 Nash County Public School buses with life-saving Naloxone and ONEbox overdose response kits demonstrates proactive leadership and a deep investment in protecting children and families across our county,” transportation leaders shared. “This initiative is not just about preparation; it is about prevention, awareness, and ensuring that life-saving tools are accessible when seconds matter most.”
“As Director of Transportation, my top priority is ensuring that every child arrives at school and returns home safely,” said Michael Baier, Director of Transportation for Nash County Public Schools. “We are extremely thankful for Nash County’s support in making this possible. By equipping all 115 buses with Naloxone and ONEbox kits, we are strengthening our emergency preparedness and reinforcing our commitment to protecting the students entrusted to our care.”
Training was completed in partnership with Nash County Public Schools and the C.A.R.E. Coalition to ensure preparedness across the district. In July 2025, Anthony Hopkins, NCCPSS (North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist) and BCMMHC (Board Certified Master Mental Health Coach), provided training to 132 bus drivers and monitors on recognizing the warning signs of overdose and properly administering Naloxone. Hopkins serves as the Nash County, N.C C.A.R.E. (Coalition for Addiction Recovery Education) Executive Committee Co-Chair and is a member of the Nash County Opioid Settlement Advisory Council.
“We are especially grateful for the partnership and support provided through opioid settlement funding, as well as the collaboration with the C.A.R.E. Coalition to complete training efforts,” district leaders added. “This unified approach reflects what can be accomplished when county government and public schools work together with a shared mission.”
The initiative strengthens the district’s comprehensive, tiered approach to preventing and responding to substance use concerns.
“To address the growing concern of substance use among our youth, strong collaboration between the community and the school district is essential,” said Jeannie Kerr, Director of Project AWARE for Nash County Public Schools. “We deeply appreciate Nash County and the Opioid Settlement Advisory Council for investing in this important safety measure. Installing ONEboxes on all school buses supports the highest level of need within our prevention, education, and intervention efforts.”
Nash County leadership emphasized the importance of coordinated community action in addressing the opioid crisis.
“This effort reflects our proactive approach to prevention and safety,” said Tia Foula, Assistant County Manager for Nash County. “We are committed to ensuring that life-saving tools are accessible where they are needed most. Equipping school buses with Naloxone is a practical step that can make the difference between life and death.”
The safety of more than 7,000 student riders remains the district’s focus each day. By placing Naloxone on every bus, Nash County has taken a thoughtful, evidence-based step that strengthens emergency response capabilities and reinforces a shared commitment to keeping children safe while in the care of Nash County Public Schools.
Nash County Public Schools remains committed to providing safe learning environments and thanks county leaders for continuing to take meaningful action to address the opioid crisis in our community.
Pictured from left to right: La’Tricia Morris (Transportation Supervisor for NCPS), Christy Grant (Executive Director of Exceptional Children and Student Services), Jeannie Kerr (Director of Project AWARE), Tia Foula, Assistant County Manager for Nash County, Michael Baier (Director of Transportation for NCPS)
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Media Contact:
Communications Department
pr-dept@ncpschools.net
