MIKE MAYNARD, Staff Writer—
“If you’ve ever experienced a narcotic overdose, you know it’s life or death,” said Chief of Campus Safety David Rose.
Narcan, a life-saving medication, has been placed in residence halls and academic buildings across campus. In the wake of student overdoses at schools like Ohio State, the presence of Narcan has become more apparent.
In May of this year, 3 students overdosed on fentanyl-laced Adderall. Sadly 2 of them later died at the hospital from the overdose, while the third was treated and released.
“That’s what started the discussion here,” said Rose.
Throughout the summer, members from departments all over campus came together to discuss how access to Narcan could be improved.
“They included campus safety, housing, health, counseling, and health/promotion/wellness departments… I’d also be remiss not to mention Denison’s own Jack Shuler, who is well published on opioid harm reduction… it was his outreach that helped push the formation of this committee,” told Associate Director of Student Wellness Jack Wheeler.
“We also consulted with Harm Reduction Ohio down on River Road, who are local experts on the topic.”
Before students returned to campus, around 40 Narcan kits were placed all over campus. They are located in every residence hall, library, Mitchell, etc.
According to the CDC, over 150 people die daily from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
According to the CDC, if someone is overdosing, here are some signs to look out for: Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils,” falling asleep or losing consciousness, slow, weak, or no breathing, choking or gurgling sounds, limp body and cold, clammy, or discolored skin.
Training or education on Narcan will not be mandatory, according to David Rose. Despite this, Rose does think it is essential to be educated about Narcan. “It’s so accessible and easy to get training for it.”
Educational opportunities will be offered in the coming weeks by Campus Safety at their Safety Fair on September 29th, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Training and education can be found on the CDC website and on Harm Reduction Ohio’s website.