Students at Timmins High and Vocational School are getting an interactive education today on the opioid crisis and how it can affect them.

Health Canada representatives are at THVS today for the Know More Tour, an interactive educational event for students. The Tour focuses on the opioid crisis and helps teach students what opioids are and the dangers that come with them. Students are specifically learning about Fentanyl and the effects that can have on youths.

“They’re looking at how to recognize an overdose,” said Angie Royal, Public Health Nurse with the Porcupine Health Unit, “what to do if a friend is over-dosing, and also about Naloxone, which is something you can give to reverse an overdose.”

Denise Plante-Dupuis, Mental Health Lead for DSB ONE, says this information is vital for students, especially with the growing opioid crisis in Canada.

“I think that today,” Plante-Dupuis said, “a lot of students don’t realize the danger of using prescription medication. Because it’s prescribed, they often think that it’s safer. And so it’s really important, especially with the opioid crisis that we’re experiencing throughout the nation, it’s really important for students to have this information.”

Royal says the goals of the Know More Tour is to create awareness for the students, so they know what’s out there, realize the dangers and know what to do if a friend over-doses.

Classes at THVS will have half an hour to go through the Know More Tour, which is set up with five digital, interactive stations. The stations cover:

  • Overdoses: the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose and how to help
  • Fentanyl: What is legal vs. illegal, what are the dangers
  • Opioids: The dangers of opioids, habit forming
  • Stigma: Learning what words to use and not use
  • Naloxone: Learning the effects of the product and what is the Good Samaritan Law

If parents want to know more about this information, they can contact the Porcupine Health Unit, which has a lot of information for parents. There will also be an upcoming social media campaign with the PHU, Temiskaming Health Unit and the School Board.

If parents or other youths want more information about the Know More Tour, a student from THVS will be blogging about her experience and that will be released next week on social media.

Angie Royal says an important message the PHU is sharing is for parents to talk to their kids.

“So, if you’re kids go here, it would be a great opportunity to have a conversation with your kids. And to always just be aware. And if you do feel that your child is maybe involved with something, to talk with them and seek help.”

If parents need more information, there are resources on the DSB ONE website. 

Filed under: Local News