In response to a recent series of suspected student overdoses, Governor Glenn Youngkin has issued an Executive Order mandating that parents be notified of any school-connected overdose within 24 hours. The order also requires schools to provide educational programs to both parents and students about drug use and collaborate with law enforcement to prevent overdoses.

The decision comes after nine reported cases of suspected overdoses at Park View High School and a total of 19 juvenile opioid overdoses in Loudoun County this year. Governor Youngkin expressed concern over the delay in notifying parents, stating that it endangers the health and welfare of children and limits parents' rights. He called for greater transparency from school officials.

Loudoun County Public Schools Superintendent Aaron Spence confirmed in a statement that there have been a total of 10 suspected overdoses at six high schools this year. This news follows a statement from the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, which announced that it was investigating eight student opioid-related overdoses at Park View.

According to the Sheriff's Office, four of the initial eight Park View overdoses occurred within the school premises. In three of those cases, Narcan, a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose, was administered, while school personnel performed CPR in two cases.

Superintendent Spence emphasized the prevalence of fentanyl in "some of our schools and communities" and highlighted the steps taken when an overdose occurs. He mentioned that 10 students were transported for treatment related to a suspected opioid overdose, with Narcan being administered to four of them. This number is concerning, as it surpasses the four incidents requiring Narcan during the previous school year.

Spence assured parents that the school system takes this issue seriously and has processes in place to address suspected drug use or overdoses. The division is working closely with the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office and other agencies to investigate and resolve these incidents. Additionally, extra staff has been assigned to Park View, and personnel have received additional training on the administration of Narcan.

The division's Chief Communication and Engagement Officer, Natalie Allen, stated that a safety assessment of Park View School was conducted, and an education plan was developed for staff, students, and families. Moreover, a communication plan has been established to reach the Park View community first and then expand outreach to the broader community.

Efforts to raise awareness about fentanyl and the dangers of drug use have been ongoing in Loudoun County. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is often found in the form of counterfeit oxycodone pills. The Sheriff's Office has reported that all Park View overdoses appear to involve fentanyl, particularly in the form of a blue, circular pill stamped with "M30."

Both the school division and the Sheriff's Office are urging parents to have regular conversations with their children about the risks of drug use and how they may encounter them. The division is partnering with the Sheriff's Office for a program on November 4th at Park View to provide further information to the community.

Governor Youngkin's Executive Order aims to address the urgent need for parental notification and drug education programs in schools. With the collaboration of law enforcement and educational institutions, the hope is to prevent further overdoses and ensure the safety and well-being of students in Loudoun County.