Virginia Gov. Youngkin issues executive order to improve how schools report student overdoses

ARLINGTON, Va. (7News) — Just hours after 7News pressed Loudoun Co. officials and others across the DMV about a trend of fentanyl overdose cases especially connected to one high school, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin issued a new order to improve transparency to families.

The order took effect Wednesday evening, with schools in the state now required to notify all parents within 24 hours of a school-connected student overdose while protecting the privacy of the victim.

Schools must also issue guidance on what they are doing to prevent student overdoses, including collaboration efforts with law enforcement agencies.

All of this is on top of school districts now being required to provide resources from education programs from campaigns such as the Va. First Lady's "One Pill Can Kill" campaign.

This order comes just hours after 7News reported on 9 fentanyl overdose cases amongst students at Park View High School, with at least 19 reported overdoses in the county this year.

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7News reporter Nick Minock spoke with Governor Youngkin, who said that in addition to this order, Youngkin plans to file legislation to punish drug dealers who provide drugs that result in death, to be charged with a felony.