AUGUSTA — Maine’s Education Commissioner is asking school administrators and nurses to educate themselves and other school staff on the dangers and warning signs of bath salts use by student.

Stephen Bowen issued a press release on the illegal drug Thursday as schools across the state are gearing up for the start of the new school year.

A recent surge of criminal activity and emergency room visits by Mainers using the hallucinogen prompted Maine’s Commissioner of Public Safety John Morris to ask Bowen to alert public school officials and to share information on the drug, according to the release.

“The use of these drugs has increased so rapidly we really don’t know what to expect,” Bowen said in a prepared statement. “We want to be prepared and make sure that our teachers, nurses, principals, and others are aware of the symptoms so we can help any child who is in danger.”

Bowen issued a Health Alert to schools this week, with a link to information about bath salts, symptoms to watch for, action to take, and additional resources. The Health Alert can be found at: http://mainedoenews.net/2011/08/17/alert-bath-salts/.

Maine’s Gov. Paul LePage also reiterated his concern for the safety of students and adults at schools.

“One of my major concerns is this dangerous drug will become available to our school children,” LePage said. “I am very concerned that with schools opening soon these drugs have the potential of finding their way into the classrooms.”

LePage also commended Bowen for his response.

 “This is another step in creating awareness to this important issue,” LePage said in the prepared statement. “I applaud Commissioner Bowen and the school administrators and nurses in taking a proactive role in increasing the safety for Maine’s students.”

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