Fayette school board calls for more attention on national ADHD medication shortage

A national shortage of medication for people diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is leading Lexington school officials and others to advocate for help for students.

Fayette School Board Member Stephanie Spires on Monday asked district lobbyists for help in alerting state and national leaders about a shortage of medication for people diagnosed with ADHD.

“I have talked with several professionals and parents, and this has been brewing since July,” Spires said. “As a large district, we are in a position to advocate for our students and families. We need to make sure that those who can impact this situation are taking action now.”

Lobbyist Abby Piper said she would work on it, reaching out to state officials.

“We want kids to have all the things they need,” Piper said.

Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins said the district is working with local health officials to look at options as well.

“My concern is children who are not able to get their ADHD medications are not prepared to learn and will struggle in the classroom,” Spires, who is running for reelection to the District 4 seat, told the Herald-Leader after she discussed the issue at a school board planning meeting.

Bloomberg reported last week that Teva Phamaceutical Industries Ltd. will have challenges supplying the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder drug Adderall for the next two to three months.

Bloomberg said the drug has been in short supply since at least August, an issue that started with a labor shortage at Teva, and that demand for the drug is high.

Tyler Dorsey, an ADHD life coach in Lexington, said Tuesday that although Adderall specifically is in low supply, and is an important medication that many people with ADHD use as a tool, there are many other medication options that physicians can prescribe if Adderall is not available at a pharmacy.

“If this is the case, I highly recommend patients call their doctor to discuss other options for them outside of Adderall,” said Dorsey.

She said as the owner of Focus Forward, an organization that specializes in helping those with ADHD, she works with many people to address their ADHD both with and without medication.

Focus Forward is partnering with the Schools of the Catholic Diocese of Lexington to present a conference on November 5 to give resources to parents and teachers of students with ADHD or learning disabilities, Dorsey said. It is open to any participant, regardless of school.

This story was originally published October 11, 2022 at 12:49 PM.