Code Blue Creates Scare At LCHS
January 8, 2020
Five students from LCHS were transported to Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital (SJMH) for having an adverse reaction to prescription medications that were brought to school and distributed by a student December 2, 2019.
A Code Blue was called at about 1:30 p.m. following the reports of students having adverse reactions to prescription medication(s).
The students involved were mostly freshmen including the student who brought the unauthorized prescription to school and distributed the pills among students.
“We had some poor decisions on Monday. It doesn’t effect just them, it effects the people around them, friends and family. It can change their lives,” Mr. John Whiston, principal, told students during class meetings Dec. 6. “When you think about it now, think about it personally.”
Whiston added that he wanted to give students factual information about what happened.
“We transported five students from LCHS to SJMH. None of them overdosed. They were under the influence,” — John Whiston
Five students were evaluated by school and Lewis County Emergency Squad personnel and determined to be exhibiting symptoms of being under the influence. Several additional students were evaluated, but only five were transported to the hospital.
As word spread via social media, many rumors were spread. Whiston said he wanted to be forthcoming and upfront with the students, faculty and community. Thus, a school-wide phone call was made explaining the situation and asking for people with information to contact the school or Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Brian Fisher also posted the same information on Facebook.
Some social media sites saw posts that said students had died. Whiston was quick to tell students in the Dec. 6 meeting that “none of them died and (none were) brought back.”
“None of them were unresponsive,” Guidance Counselor Dodi Slaughter also told students.
“All information we have is being investigated,” Mr. Chris Derico, Central Office Administrator, said. Pro Officer Cayton told students that charges were being filed.
The LCHS Administration Team also told students about the seriousness of Monday’s event. They also explained the charges that could be filed in these types of situations and reviewed the prescription medication policy.
“There’s to be no medication carried at school, or on school property. Not in your car parked in the parking lot, not on you, not in your locker.” She went on to say “No Motrin, no cough syrup, no cough drops, no allergy medication,” Mrs. Allison McWhorter, nurse, said.
She added that these medications need to be monitored and prescribed because of the side effects. She explained that someone could have an allergic reaction to the honey, lemon, or whatever and not have an EpiPen or even know that they’re allergic to it.
“If you have an inhaler come see me, and it is a small process.” she added.
The response team said they wanted to ensure that all students are safe at school and said that student safety was a top priority.
“If you have any medicine on you today (December 06, 2019) bring them to my office and you will not be charged,” she added.
Whiston reiterated the important role that students have in our school “family.”
“When you see something. Say something. You’re not a snitch you could be saving someone’s life,” Whiston added.
Whiston concluded the assembly by telling students that there are people who care about each student. He said students can seek out their teachers, counselors, nurse or administrators for help.
Sidebar
The LCHS Medication Policy for the 2019-2020 Student Handbook.
“All medications, both prescription and non-prescription, must be accompanied by a Phyician’s order. Parents/guardians of a high school aged child may determine that their child is capable and responsible enough to administer their own medication. When students are self-medicating, these medications must be properly labeled and students will only carry enough for a one-day’s supply. Under no circumstances are students to share over-the-counter or prescription medications, This includes cough syrup, Tylenol, etc: any student found “distributing or accepting” over-the-counter or prescription medication will be suspended from school.”
County Policy for Drug Use
Illegal Substance Related Behaviors.
A student will not unlawfully possess, use, or be under the influence of, distribute or sell any substance containing alcohol, over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, marijuana, narcotics, any other substance included in the Uniform Controlled Substances Act as described in the West Virginia Code 60A-1-101, et seq. or any paraphernalia intended for the manufacture, sale and/or use of illegal substances in any building/area under the control of a county school system, including all activities and events sponsored by the county school district. As a punishment there is OSS (Out of School Suspension) and the principal/superintendent shall recommend the student for expulsion for a minimum of the remainder of the semester of up to 12 months.
