POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 111 A small amount of what looks like a tablet could be fatal if it's cut with fentanyl and other sedatives, Gniewek said. Based on preliminary data current to Oct. 2, there have been 35 confirmed or probable opioid toxicity deaths reported in Nova Scotia so far this year. The teen's death warrants further action, Gniewek said, to help save other young people who might be using tainted substances. That could involve a range of harm reduction initiatives, including making naloxone kits available in schools, he said, "because youth aren't going to pharmacies all the time and they may not think to attend the pharmacy." Minister of Addictions and Mental Health Brian Comer confirmed that naloxone isn't routinely available in the province's schools. There have been concerns that making it available could lead to more substance use among young people, but Gniewek said those concerns are unfounded. "Training to use naloxone and to understand the signs and symptoms of overdose could save somebody's life." Province updates 'substance use curriculum' The Nova Scotia government released a statement on Tuesday outlining some of the measures it is taking. "We want youth to understand the severe impact drug use can have, know what to look out for and to have a safe place to ask questions," the statement said. It referred to steps the Office of Addictions and Mental Health is involved in by "leading the development of an updated substance use curriculum for students in grades 6-9 that will aim to prevent the use of many substances, including opioids." The statement also mentioned other harm reduction initiatives youth can access, such as needle distribution and disposal services, and overdose prevention sites. Those are supported by Comer's department and Public Health. "Combined, these programs help thousands of people and reduce death and illness," the statement said. 'We're there to save lives' Information that police are sharing with school staff includes the symptoms to watch for during an overdose, such as reduced breathing or pulse, cold clammy skin, gurgling noises and signs a person is asleep or hard to wake up. Those are signs people should call 911, administer naloxone if it's available and stay with the person, police said. There are also legal protections for people who seek help during an overdose involving illicit drugs, Tremblay said. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act was introduced in 2017 in an effort to remove barriers in emergency situations. "We're there to save lives. We're not there to arrest you for simple possession of drugs," he said. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/novascotia/suspected-overdose-cole-harbour-drugs-1.70 07292 RCMP visiting schools continued Dr.Mike Gniewek said learning of the teenager's death was 'devastating' and should lead to further harm reduction and prevention measures. (CBC)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==