Drug trafficking

West Virginia schools to stock opioid-overdose antidote

A new law will allow schools in West Virginia, a leading state for drug abuse in America, to supply an antidote to students who overdose on opioids without notifying parents.

The antidote legislation passed with ease in the state Legislature and was signed into law by Governor Jim Justice this week. The law will allow nurses and trained public and private school personnel to administer the drug to anyone at a school during regular school hours or events and functions on school property.

The law goes into effect in 90 days.

West Virginia and other states in Appalachia have been ground-zero for the current opioid epidemic in America. Nearly 850 people overdosed in the state last year, with more than 700 involving at least one opioid, such as heroin or fentanyl, AP reported.