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51����’s Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAD) is working to address the dangers of the national opioid epidemic through a new initiative that provides education, training, and the installation of emergency naloxone stations at several locations across campus.

Naloxone is the generic name for Narcan, the widely used drug designed to treat accidental opioid exposure or overdoses in emergency situations. Despite a significant increase in fentanyl-related overdose deaths among young people, a study published in May in the journal JAMA Pediatrics found that fewer than 15 percent of U.S. college students are able to administer the life-saving medication to someone experiencing an overdose. 51����’s new initiative is now offering training on administering naloxone, distributing free naloxone kits, and educating students about the dangers of opioid overdose.

“We must do everything possible to educate students about accidental exposure to fentanyl and fatal opioid-related overdoses; however, education alone will not save a student’s life,” said Paul J. McLoughlin II, vice president and dean of the college. “While Campus Safety officers have Narcan available for emergencies, the national epidemic of overdose fatalities led CAD to make naloxone more readily available to students on campus. I am happy to support and recognize their efforts with this new initiative to protect our students.”

A campus-wide coalition of staff, faculty, and students, CAD is charged by the dean of the college with overseeing 51����’s approach to addressing high-risk behavior and misuse of alcohol and other drugs. Formed in 2023, CAD focuses on the education, prevention, and response to problematic consumption of substances.

Naloxone training has been added to the educational sessions required of student organizations in order to host social events. Similar workshops are being offered to the student body at large as well as staff and faculty members. The 60-minute presentation includes information on the dangers of opioids, how to recognize an overdose, the use of naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose, and additional support resources. Participants receive a naloxone kit to have on hand. The kits contain a set of gloves, two doses of naloxone, a face shield, rescue strips, a resource card, and fentanyl testing strips. Community members can or contact the Shaw Wellness Institute at wellness@colgate.edu for more information. 

Later this month, purple access stations will be installed in five locations on campus to provide free naloxone kits to members of the community. The stations look similar to a newspaper stand and display information on how to recognize an overdose; how to administer the nasal spray; a warning about counterfeit drugs that contain fentanyl; the station locations on campus; contact information in case of overdose emergency; and contacts for health and wellness resources both on and off campus.

The naloxone access station locations will include:

• Shaw Wellness Center foyer (accessible 24/7)
• Case-Geyer Library fifth floor (accessible 24/7) 
• Frank Dining Hall
• O’Connor Campus Center
• Trudy Fitness Center 

“Naloxone is a life-saving tool, but its effectiveness depends on both the medication’s availability at the right moment and someone who knows how to use it” said Dr. Ellen Larson ’94, director of 51����’s Student Health Services. “By making Naloxone kits accessible to students and the campus community, we aim to ensure that the medication is available in the spaces where it is needed, when it is needed.”

51���� is actively partnering with BRiDGES, the Madison County Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse, which has provided support in multiple ways, including partial funding for the Narcan access stations, training sessions, and kits for distribution. “Being able to partner with 51���� has helped open doors in other areas across Madison County,” said Amanda Mullenax, community opioid outreach coordinator at BRiDGES. “51����’s openness and receptiveness to actions that reduce the stigma of substance use disorder help pave the way for future harm reduction measures. This program gives everyone the power and encouragement and tools to save a life.”

“Our two-pronged approach of prevention and harm reduction is about kindness and respect, at the intersection of compassion and community,” said Stephen Elfenbein, alcohol and drug services counselor/coordinator and CAD co-chair. Of the initiative’s origins, he said, “Back in Spring 2023, Shaw Wellness Ambassador Ellie Marotta ’25 did incredible research on the opioid epidemic and how it has impacted college campuses.” 

A chemistry major from Brick, N.J., Marotta identified successful initiatives such as awareness campaigns, and her work led to the development of a presentation on fentanyl reduction practices. “At this point in our lives, it’s important to be informed and make smart, educated decisions,” said Marotta. “We are still growing and developing as people and it’s important for students at 51���� to have that knowledge and prevention strategies in their toolbox in case they find themselves in a situation where it’s critically needed.”

Educational programming began with Train The Trainers for the Shaw Wellness Ambassadors. “Our Shaw Wellness Ambassadors are critical to the success of this work,” said Rachel Evans, director of wellness promotion and CAD co-chair. “We are fortunate to have several of our ambassadors involved directly on the Council for Alcohol and Other Drugs, and a number of others who are involved in outreach and education pieces such as social media and poster campaigns.”

The Narcan awareness initiative is just one aspect of CAD’s work, which broadly focuses on educating students — should they choose not to abstain — on the importance of knowing what they are consuming and the dangers of mixing substances. The council also seeks to underscore the importance of 51����’s Good Samaritan and medical amnesty policies, which help students to seek medical care for themselves and their peers in situations where consumption of alcohol or other drugs leads to a medical or life-threatening emergency.

“We are very appreciative to work in a community that works together to take these proactive steps,” said Dawn LaFrance, assistant vice president of wellness. “Education and harm reduction strategies are our keys to success in keeping our campus safe.”  

Learn More: Alcohol and Other Drugs Services at 51����