FAIRFAX, Va. — A little over two weeks after Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order regarding school-related overdoses, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) notified parents that a student suffered a non-fatal overdose.
In a letter to families and staff, FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid said a student at Hayfield Secondary School overdosed Friday. It is unclear if the student was on school property when the overdose occurred.
Reid said in the letter that out of concern for the student's privacy, the district will not be releasing any further information regarding the overdose.
"We do want to be sure that every parent and caregiver has appropriate resources, as we know that substance misuse continues to be a problem in Fairfax County, as well as nationwide," Reid wrote.
Earlier this month, Youngkin issued Executive Order 28, which directs the Virginia Department of Education to notify all parents of school-related overdoses within 24 hours, work closely with law enforcement, and increase education about the dangers of abusing drugs.
The order was issued after 10 Loudoun County students overdosed within three weeks, four of which happened inside Park View High School.
“Overdoses that occur on school grounds or are connected to the school must lead to an immediate parental notification," said Governor Glenn Youngkin. "School administrators’ first instinct when there is a problem cannot be to delay relevant information on critical children's health and safety matters - it must be passed on to parents immediately. Opioid overdoses have claimed the lives of far too many Virginians, devastating families and communities across the Commonwealth and we must continue to combat opioid abuse and overdoses with action and transparency."
Reid told parents in her letter that FCPS has partnered with the Fairfax County Government to provide an educational webinar on youth substance misuse trends and supports.
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"Substance misuse is an ongoing challenge for our nation," Reid said. "Here in Fairfax County Public Schools, we will continue our strong collaboration with health officials, law enforcement, and families, to keep our students safe."
If you, or someone you know, has substance abuse issues there is help available. Call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration hotline at (800) 662-4357.
Naloxone, commonly known as NARCAN, is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and can be purchased over the counter or requested from many health departments at no cost.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse says naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system. According to the CDC, it may be administered on people of all ages.
Where to find Naloxone in DC, Maryland and Virginia:
- DC: Department of Behavioral Health
- Maryland: Department of Health
- Virginia: Department of Health
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