Following the tragic death of Sidney McIntyre-Starko, a first-year UVic student that died from an accidental fentanyl exposure on campus in January (2024), many of us were reminded of the prevailing need for widespread access to naloxone kits and appropriate training. Sydney's death was preventable - rapid administration of naloxone could have saved her life.

In response to Sidney's passing, the provincial government mandated the distribution of naloxone kits to all public post-secondary institutions in B.C..

At UVic, naloxone kits are now available for students on every floor of residence buildings. Despite being a timely addition to residence at UVic, if students lack confidence in recognizing the signs of overdose and in administering naloxone, this policy change is robbed of its revolutionary potential.

By signing this petition, you show your support for the implementation of required naloxone training for UVic campus residents. The support garnered by this petition will be presented to key UVic administrators as evidence of support for this action.

Substance use at UVic (and all university campuses, for that matter) will always occur. Naloxone training is straightforward and takes little time and individual effort. Implementing this change would help foster a more informed, safe environment for people living on campus at UVic and in the surrounding community, while setting an example for other post-secondary institutions to follow.