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SD78 to put naloxone kits in schools

Plus: Silver Creek Elementary’s requests and the joint use agreement.
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Fraser-Cascade School District 78’s administration office.

Naloxone kits

Fraser-Cascade School District 78 (SD78) will put naloxone kits in schools, after discussing it with Fraser Health regional public health expert Kim Roberts at the May 2 board meeting.

Roberts presented to the board about harm reduction and answered questions on whether schools should have naloxone kits in schools. She highlighted that Fraser Health and the Province’s have not taken a stance on whether schools should have these kits in schools.

Roberts cited former provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall, saying that naloxone kits are encouraged in schools, with caveats.

“Look where you think those that might be at most at risk are and have those discussions whether you think it’s prudent to have naloxone in the schools,” said Roberts.

Roberts focused on the ease of administering naloxone, saying it would “be like giving an EpiPen,” and if a person does not have an opioid overdose, there would be no negative reaction.

“You can’t over-give this,” said Roberts.

Trustee Rose Tustian asked whether people who receive naloxone treatment will react violently, to which Roberts said a harm reduction leader has never seen this happen before.

“It depends on what the dosage is,” said Roberts. “If people come of [the overdose] really fast, like it was an IV injection, they’re probably coming out kicking and screaming.”

Trustees Tom Hendrickson and John Koopman raised their concerns of putting the kits in schools. Hendrickson believes he needs to discuss with teachers and principals to work out how to do this. Koopman believes that government departments should create a protocol for everyone because of liability concerns. Both felt that the motion should not be rushed.

Silver Creek Elementary grants

The board approved the building of two outdoor classrooms, approval and a letter of support for a Playbox, a community box with sports equipment, a letter of support to have tennis courts resurfaced and a letter of support, in principle, to build a running track.

Silver Creek Elementary Parent Advisory Council president Diana Gilbert said she appreciates the help of the District of Hope and SD78 for their help, in an email after the board meeting.

“We requested letters of support for several grants written that will be updating the tennis courts, several playground grants and some other exciting initiatives for our outdoor spaces,” said Gilbert. “It’s going to be an amazing year for Silver Creek.”

Joint use agreement

Superintendent Karen Nelson informed the board that she had met with the chief administrative officer of the Fraser Valley Regional District and have deferred the May 4 meeting to discuss the joint use agreement to a date after May 8 to include the new director of the recreation commission. The joint use agreement allows mutual use of recreation facilities.

Nelson said she will discuss about swim lessons when they meet, responding to a question from Tustian.