The Cowichan Valley School District says it has launched an investigation after a third-party harm reduction and drug addiction presenter left a safer snorting kit at one of its schools.
“It was a ‘Safer Snorting Kit,'” an SD79 spokesperson confirmed to CHEK News Sunday, adding, “…we’re not releasing the school info.”
The kit includes a booklet by the Canadian Aids Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE) explaining “the basics of safer drug snorting, nose care and prevention of hepatitis C infections,” according to information on the publisher’s website.
“The best way to prevent harms when snorting is to use your own equipment and not share with others,” reads the booklet’s description, which is found online here.
“There are many ways drugs are snorted. You might use straws, rolled paper, glass or metal tubes, or you may snort your drugs straight from your hand or a hard surface,” it says.
The SD79 spokesperson notes they “have not (seen the kit) personally, so (I) can’t speak to what was inside, but the photos I’ve seen are a booklet, leaflet and straw.”
In a series of tweets Sunday, SD79 says it’s aware of the materials left at school following a presentation “that we do not consider school or age appropriate.”
While the district says it supports harm reduction as an effective method of addressing the ongoing opioid crisis, as well as conversations about drugs and addiction, it aims to ensure teachings are suitable for its students.
“Materials left by this third party did not meet this threshold, and for that we apologize to our community,” added SD79 in a tweet.
“As a result of this incident, we are undertaking a full investigation as well as a review of applicable policies and APs regarding third-party presentations and materials.”
The name of the third-party organization wasn’t disclosed.
Island Health has tips and a complete guide about discussing substance use with children here.
Materials left by this third party did not meet this threshold, and for that we apologize to our community.
As a result of this incident, we are undertaking a full investigation as well as a review of applicable policies and APs regarding third-party presentations & materials.
— Cowichan Valley School District (@CowichanSchools) May 21, 2023
Ethan Morneau
