If you have noticed the new Narcan boxes around campus, you may be wondering what they are and why they’re there.
Narcan is a brand of Naloxone, which is a medication that can treat a narcotic overdose in an emergency situation. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, “It is an antagonist. This means that it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose.”
Naloxone can be used as a nasal spray, but it can also be injected into the skin.
Narcan is now available throughout campus, which is vital as it can save lives in the event of an overdose. There is no age restriction for Narcan, and it is recommended to carry on your person for emergencies.
On January 1, 2023, the Campus Opioid Safety Act took effect, which requires public universities and colleges to offer students free Narcan in the event of an overdose. High schools have also made Narcan available for students.
PSA student Serly Allahverdian (‘26) says, “Having Narcan available on our campus makes me feel more prepared if I were to encounter a situation where I needed to use it.” She feels that it is important to be educated on this topic so people know how to handle things in these kinds of situations.
Moreover, Narcan may not be enough to save someone, so don’t be afraid to call for help. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “Naloxone works to reverse opioid overdose in the body for only 30 to 90 minutes. But many opioids remain in the body longer than that. Because of this, it is possible for a person to still experience the effects of an overdose after a dose of Naloxone wears off.” Because of this, it is important to call 911 in the event of an overdose, as some opioids are stronger than others and it’s essential that individuals receive medical attention.
These are the places where Narcan is available at Hoover:
- Building 1 – Nurse’s office
- Building 2 – 2nd floor near boys bathroom
- Building 3 – 3rd floor near band room
- Building 11 – 2nd floor near staff room
- Main Gym – Coaches’ office
- Cafeteria – Inside building near lunch lines
- Baseball Field – Home side dugout
