CANYON COUNTY, Idaho — In 2024, there have been 28 shootings in K-12 schools, according to Education Week. Amid the reality, Canyon County is stepping in, taking the initiative, and giving all schools in the county “Stop the Bleed” kits.
The kits are used in traumatic situations to stop the bleeding from gunshot wounds or other life-threatening injuries before medical personnel can arrive on the scene.
Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue stressed that while he does not want to see this happen, he wants to be as prepared as possible.
“While that is a very touchy subject to talk about, we're not afraid to step out and talk about it, because it's unfortunately a reality in this world we live in,” Donahue said.
Over 2,080 kits will be in all schools throughout Canyon County, including the Nampa, Vallivue, and Caldwell School Districts. Instead of having one kit per classroom, they will be placed in strategic locations based on the school’s blueprints, so several can be accessible at one time for teachers and staff.
“It is our responsibility to be as prepared as possible if something of that horrific nature were to take place,” Donahue said.
The Department of Homeland Security awarded Canyon County a grant, and the funding allowed them to buy the kits, Donahue said.
Canyon County Chief Deputy Douglas Hart said while the kits are good to have in case something tragic does happen, it also starts with prevention.
“Would you rather respond to a tragedy? Or would you rather prevent a tragedy from happening in the first place?” Hart said.
Hart said the County is also educating students, staff, parents and teachers on what to look for and if they see any worrisome signs, what to do.
"We're not immune to these things, and so we hope we can prevent them in the aftermath of a tragedy," Hart said.