Opioid and Naloxone Information Presentation
Sep 19, 2017
School leaders will be working and learning with the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy at a special professional development session on Wednesday, September 20. Cynthia Olsen from the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy will provide Principals and Vice Principals with information specific to opioid use in Canada, Ontario and Thunder Bay and overdose prevention efforts including overdose prevention training, and naloxone training.
“Our school leaders are at a greater capacity to effect change with leadership in the community, and will make the best decision for their own school based on their own unique issues,” says Jeff Upton, Education Officer, Lakehead Public Schools. “When our Principals and Vice Principals are aware of the impacts, and the resources available, further training can be provided tailored to the school’s needs.”
The Thunder Bay Drug Strategy presentation will include:
- Overview of the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy
- Opioids in Canada, Ontario and Thunder Bay
- Overdose in Ontario and Thunder Bay
- Overdose prevention efforts (including overdose prevention training, and naloxone training) – risks, signs, and response
- Role of schools and principals (through education, prevention, and intervention efforts)
“According to the most recent Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey, the North region has significantly higher use rates than the Provincial average for opioid Non-Medical Use,” says Upton. “That being said, we must be proactive to ensure that our staff must have the right information about the risk factors, signs and how to respond.”
