B.C. student advocacy group wants better access to naloxone in post-secondary institutions

The BC Federation of Students wants better support for students navigating the toxic drug crisis and is calling for easier access to the life-saving drug naloxone.

In an email to CityNews, the federation — which represents more than 170,000 students — says in light of recent overdoses and drug poisoning incidents at B.C. post-secondary institutions, it is time to ensure that naloxone is easily accessible, just like other emergency items.

“Emergency response systems must be continuously reviewed and improved to meet current needs effectively. Ensuring the availability of harm reduction supplies, such as naloxone, is essential for protecting students,” Cole Reinbold, the secretary-treasurer of the BC Federation of Students said.

Reinbold says the availability of naloxone varies widely across different institutions. Some campuses have them publicly accessible with no barriers, while others restrict access to healthcare centres that have limited hours and require appointments.

“Ideally, naloxone should be as ubiquitous and easy to find as fire extinguishers, with clear signage in every public space,” they said.

Reinbold says better awareness and communication strategies are important so students know when and where naxolone training is available.

“At one of our AGMs, we provided naloxone training to all delegates in attendance. In recent years, individual student unions have also started offering their own naloxone training sessions for their members, ensuring widespread knowledge and preparedness,” they said.

However training is only part of the solution, he says it is important that staff, faculty, and other responders on campus are also well-versed during an emergency.

Reinbold says Vancouver Coastal Health, Toward the Heart and the B.C. Take Home Naloxone program offers training and naloxone kits.

“The training offered by Toward the Heart, in partnership with the BC government, is free and you can pick up a free naloxone kit at a pharmacy,” they said. “Understanding there is no cost barrier will also increase the number of community members who access the training.”

Reinbold says ideally all institutions across B.C. should have naloxone available to every student in every building because students should know that they can focus on their education without fearing any preventable overdose or drug poisoning incident.

“We know that stigma and shame isolate and kill. We know that the toxic drug supply isolates and kills. By collaborating with community partners, stakeholders and decision-makers, post-secondary administrations can ensure that life-saving tools regularly used off campus make their way into the hands of the campus community,” they said.