BY KASH HEED

IT appears that Richmond schools have not taken any proactive measures to address drug overdoses and poisonings at this point. The Board of Education and their administration seem to be stuck in a state of political and bureaucratic gridlock. After a heated debate among trustees in December 2023, a motion was passed to conduct a feasibility study on the naloxone issue.

The latest update indicates that the study is expected to be completed by the end of the school year. In contrast, Richmond City Council swiftly passed a motion in November 2023 to install naloxone kits in all civic facilities, including the Richmond Olympic Oval. Within just 30 days the process started, and now over 40 locations in the City are equipped with naloxone, alongside automated external defibrillators.

There is a growing consensus among public health experts and policymakers that having naloxone available in high schools can be life-saving in the event of an opioid overdose. Given the infiltration of “street fentanyl” into the illicit drug market and the prevalence of drug experimentation among young people in high schools, it is imperative to have naloxone readily accessible to respond effectively to emergencies.

Naloxone, also known as the “Lazarus Drug”, has been proven to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses by blocking the effects of opioids like fentanyl. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to work only when opioids are present in the system. It’s crucial for decision-makers to consult with local health authorities, school administrators, and other stakeholders to establish protocols for the proper use of naloxone in high schools.

In my years of researching drug policy, I have not encountered any experts who oppose the expansion of naloxone availability. While I cannot predict when, or if, the Board of Education will take action, I emphasize the moral imperative of prioritizing the preservation of lives. I urge the trustees to unite and fulfill their duty as guardians of our youth to prevent unnecessary tragedies.

Kash Heed spent 32 years in policing where he held high-profile commands in gang and drug enforcement before becoming B.C.’s solicitor-general. He is now a Richmond city councillor.