POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 109 Gareth Hampshire - CBC · Posted: Oct 26, 2023 RCMP visiting Halifax schools after teen dies of suspected overdose Expert says more harm reduction measures needed, including naloxone kits in schools RCMP have been speaking to staff at schools in the Halifax Regional Municipality about the risks of drug use, after a teenager in the area died of a suspected overdose earlier this month. Halifax District RCMP's Community Action Response Team has visited multiple schools since the boy's death in Cole Harbour, N.S., on Oct. 15. "Our hope in general is really to bring awareness to illicit drug use and its dangers," said Cpl. Guillaume Tremblay. Police have been talking to school administrators about the signs and symptoms of overdoses. They've also been reminding them about a program that offers free naloxone kits in the province, Tremblay said. Naloxone, which can counter the effects of certain drugs, is available at many pharmacies, support organizations and health-care facilities through the program. When RCMP responded to the call in Cole Harbour on Oct. 15, they seized a small quantity of unknown substances in pill and powder form. Two other teens were taken to hospital. "Regardless if it is fentanyl or not, the substances are very dangerous," Tremblay said, adding they will be analyzed in a lab but getting the results will take time. Nonetheless, the message to young people, parents and the community is the same. "It's a scary situation," Tremblay said. "You don't know how potent the drugs are." Naloxone needed in schools, doctor says Dr. Mike Gniewek, a family physician who focuses on addiction medicine, shares the same concerns about the market for illegal drugs. "The risk to young people is really high," he said. "The current illicit market is so unknown and so lethal and so dangerous." Cpl. Guillaume Tremblay shows the narcan naloxone nasal spray that is used by RCMP officers.They did not administer it to the teen who died because emergency medical responders were already at the scene. (CBC) Cpl. Guillaume Tremblay said illicit drugs can be made in unsanitary conditions and the chemical contents and potency are unknown. (CBC) continued
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