Today on Colorado Edition: we’ll learn about a letter sent to state leaders about education during a pandemic. Plus, we’ll hear another update on the investigation into how ketamine is used in our state.
How Ketamine Is Used
Ketamine is a powerful sedative that’s usually administered in a hospital. But, as we’ve reported, medics have given it to hundreds of Coloradans during episodes with the police when someone displays signs of “excited delirium.” This is the reason authorities gave for administering ketamine to Elijah McClain in Aurora.
KUNC’s Michael de Yoanna and Rae Solomon have discovered that it’s likely being vastly overused — exposing people unnecessarily to complications associated with the drug.
You can find Michael and Rae's past reporting on ketamine use hereand here.
Colorado Schools Cope With Pandemic
We start today with education and a letter sent to state leaders from over 40 advocacy groups across Colorado. The letter, led by Colorado Children’s Campaign, calls on state leaders to prioritize opening schools, rather than opening businesses.
The letter goes on to say that while children aren’t as likely to suffer from the virus’ serious health complications, they are more vulnerable to secondary effects of the pandemic – conditions like hunger, homelessness and poverty. Chalkbeat Colorado’s bureau chief Erica Meltzer joined us to talk about the letter, and the state of education.
Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!
Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs.
Colorado Edition is hosted by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1) and Henry Zimmerman, and produced by Lily Tyson. The web was edited by digital editor Jackie Hai. KUNC news director Brian Larson is our executive producer. We get production help from Rae Solomon.
KUNC's Colorado Edition is a news magazine taking an in-depth look at the issues and culture of Northern Colorado. It's available on our website, as well as on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can hear the show on KUNC's air, Monday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m., with a rebroadcast of the previous evening's show Tuesday through Friday at 8:30 a.m.