HERO Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-25]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 21, 2026
Bottom line
The HERO Act aims to equip schools with life-saving opioid overdose reversal drugs and related education, while simultaneously enhancing federal data collection on overdose incidents in school settings.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a federal grant program to enable eligible schools to purchase opioid overdose reversal drugs and develop educational programming on drug-use prevention and emergency overdose response. It also mandates that all educational institutions receiving federal funds report any distribution of an opioid overdose reversal drug to two federal information systems: NEMSIS and ODMAP.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is a critical step in addressing the growing opioid crisis, particularly among youth, by empowering schools to act as first responders in overdose emergencies. They contend that providing schools with these drugs and comprehensive education will save lives, reduce harm, and equip students and communities with vital knowledge. Furthermore, the reporting requirement will provide invaluable data to public health officials, allowing for more targeted prevention and intervention strategies.
Opponents contend
Critics may raise concerns that this bill places an additional, potentially burdensome, responsibility on schools, which are primarily educational institutions, potentially diverting resources from core academic missions. Some might also express apprehension about the liability implications for school staff administering these drugs, or privacy concerns related to the mandatory reporting of overdose incidents involving students.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick but thorough review by an informed reader.
Section 2
School Grants for Opioid Overdose Reversal Drugs
This section establishes a competitive grant program, administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in consultation with the Secretary of Education. Eligible entities, including private elementary/secondary schools and local educational agencies (including charter schools), can apply for these grants. Funds are intended for purchasing FDA-approved opioid overdose reversal drugs and for developing educational programming on CPR, drug-use prevention, and emergency overdose responses. Priority will be given to entities in areas with high rates of opioid overdoses.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this grant program directly addresses a critical public health need by empowering schools to prevent overdose fatalities and educate their communities. They believe it provides necessary resources to protect students and staff, especially in areas heavily impacted by the opioid crisis.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that while well-intentioned, this program could place an undue burden on schools, requiring them to take on roles traditionally handled by emergency medical services. Concerns could also arise regarding the allocation of federal funds and whether schools are the most appropriate or effective venues for this type of intervention.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the urgent need for overdose response capabilities in schools against potential concerns about expanding school responsibilities and resource allocation. It aims to save lives but requires schools to adapt their emergency preparedness.
Section 3
Reporting of Opioid Overdose Reversal Drug Distribution by Schools
This section mandates that any covered educational institution (private elementary/secondary schools and local educational agencies, including charter schools) that receives federal funds must report any instance of distributing an opioid overdose reversal drug. These reports must be submitted to the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) and the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP).