The Support Services for Schools Ministerial Order (PDF) has been amended to include a Response to Unexpected Health Emergencies Policy effective July 1, 2025. The amendment requires all boards of education to:
- establish, maintain and make publicly available a policy for responding to unexpected health emergencies at schools in the district.
- ensure that Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and naloxone are readily accessible in each school.
Boards of education are expected to have the policy in place and AEDs and naloxone kits accessible in all secondary schools by December 31, 2025. Accessibility of AEDs and naloxone kits in all elementary and middle schools is expected by September 8, 2026.
A letter was sent to all superintendents on Monday June 30, 2025, with more information and the link to the new Response to Unexpected Health Emergencies Policy.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the Mental Health and Substance Use Team at educ.mentalhealth@gov.bc.ca.