Prescription Drug Sends Five Pinole Valley High Students to Hospital

Seven Pinole Valley High students were found to be under the influence the prescription drug Xanax on Thursday, Principal Kibby Kleiman said.

According to Kleiman, five of the students were taken by ambulance to local hospitals for treatment, while two students were sent home. Kleiman says all of the students are expected to recover.

“We are committed to our student’s health and well-being and want to take this moment to praise our security staff and teachers who identified students who appeared to be under the influence, allowing the medical staff brought in to find and treat the affected kids,” Kleiman told Patch.

Kleiman says parents were notified about the incident by phone and through the school website.

“We are encouraging parents to have conversations with their children about making smart choices, and staying safe,” Kleiman said. “When the students who used the drug return to campus, they will be referred to our on campus comprehensive health clinic for services and providing transition back into the community.”

Kleiman did not say whether or not any of the students involved were arrested or if it is known when or where the students were when they took the medication. Pinole Police officials have not yet been reached for comment on the incident.

Xanax is used to treat anxiety and panic disorder.

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