In July 28, 2025, a letter was distributed to all superintendents providing additional guidance and resources related to the recent amendment to the Support Services for Schools Ministerial Order and the new Response to Unexpected Health Emergencies Policy, which came into effect on July 1, 2025.
The letter outlines the following key implementation timelines:
- Policy Submission – All boards of education must submit their completed policies to the Ministry by December 31, 2025.
- Secondary Schools – Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and naloxone must be in all secondary schools by December 31, 2025.
- Elementary and Middle Schools – AEDs and naloxone must be in all elementary and middle schools by September 8, 2026.
The letter also includes guidance on procurement and training opportunities to support the implementation of AEDs and naloxone in schools and clarifies that an Administrative Procedure meets the requirements for policy submission. For further information or specific inquiries, please contact the Mental Health and Substance Use team at EDUC.MentalHealth@gov.bc.ca.