The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions says it is listening to the calls of the parents of a teen who died of an overdose in a dorm at the University of Victoria.
Vancouver-born-and-raised Cailin Sidney McIntyire-Starko, known to her friends and family as Sidney, died after she and another UVic student collapsed in their dorm in January from a fentanyl overdose.
Last week, Sydeny’s parents wrote an open letter to Premier David Eby, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, Health Minister Adrian Dix, and MLA Lisa Beare, saying, their daughter would still be alive if 911 call takers, campus security and the university had acted with the urgency needed to save her.
Sidney’s mother Caroline McIntyre, an emergency physician, explains the teenager died from a “witnessed fentanyl overdose” that she says was preventable.
The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions says the toxic drug crisis is a heart-wrenching and complex issue. It says Sidney’s death has impacted many people.
“First and foremost her family and friends. They are advocating for changes to prevent overdose deaths, and we are listening to those calls,” it said in a statement to CityNews.
Last week, Premier Eby announced a coroner’s inquest will be held to get answers for her death.
In the meantime, the province says the post-secondary Minister will meet with universities and colleges this week to discuss what needs to be done to keep students safe on campus.
“We are in discussions to purchase nasal naloxone in larger quantities, which is easier to administer, and we are working on adding CPR training as a mandatory lesson in high schools,” the province said.
“We will continue to take action to save lives as we continue to listen and learn from front-line workers, experts, and families impacted by this terrible crisis.”
-With files from Charlie Carey, Srushti Gangdev, and Cole Schisler.