B.C. taking action to prevent overdoses, make students safer on campus
By Province of British Columbia
The Province is moving forward with new guidelines to protect students and reduce the risks and harms of toxic-drug poisonings.
“Our post-secondary campuses should be a safe space for students, staff and faculty,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
“That’s why the Province has worked with the post-secondary sector to create new guidelines for toxic-drug overdose awareness and response for institutions to use to keep students, staff and faculty safe on campus.”
B.C.’s Post-Secondary Overdose Prevention and Response Steering Committee was formed in May 2024 after being convened by Beare. The committee has developed overdose prevention and response guidelines to support public post-secondary institutions implementing strategies to protect students and reduce the risks and harms of the toxic-drug crisis.
“The toxic-drug crisis continues to have a devastating impact on families and communities in B.C., and the impact on students has been heartbreaking,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
“Poisoned drugs have become incredibly toxic and more people than ever before are at risk of dying. We’re taking action to make sure students have the tools and knowledge they need to keep themselves and their peers safe in an emergency.”
The steering committee has released guidelines for the public sector to help keep students safe.
These guidelines include promoting awareness of overdose prevention and treatment services available on campus or in the community, the Lifeguard and Brave apps, take-home naloxone kits and drug-checking services, and ensuring students know they can call first responders for help without fear of academic repercussions.
Other guidelines will help improve overdose-response protocols and procedures, such as clear training recommendations for campus security, other campus staff and faculty.
To see the full guidelines for post-secondary institutions, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/post-secondary-education/institution-resources-administration/emergency-support
The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, in partnership with the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, and the Ministry of Health, is distributing nasal naloxone to all B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions, as well as First Nations Mandated Institutes.
These supplies will be located in student residences, social venues such as bars and restaurants, and other areas on campus.
The steering committee will continue to meet during the school year to continue its work. Further guidelines are being developed to supporting training and communications related to addressing the toxic-drug crisis.
Quick Facts:
- Take-home naloxone kits are available at more than 2,320 locations, including 911 pharmacies in B.C.
- Since 2015, more than 2.4 million take-home naloxone kits have been shipped.
- As of June 2024,161,854 take-home naloxone kits have been reported being used to reverse a drug poisoning.
