Overdose of opioid medications is a growing concern locally, as well as nationwide. However, quick action can reverse the effects of overdose and potentially save lives.
Doses of Naloxone – a medication that reverses the effects of opioid overdose – are available on the WSU Tri-Cities campus, and can be obtained in the Student Union Building or in the Den Wellness Center. Naloxone is also available in the Nursing Center. Naloxone is available to any student or employee without a prescription, free of charge. Use of Naloxone to reverse overdose is protected by Washington State Good Samaritan Law.
Along with the Naloxone are fentanyl test strips, which can be used to detect the presence of fentanyl (a common cause of opioid overdose) in other materials.
Opioid and fentanyl overdose prevention education is available to WSU students using an online training module. Training for employees is available through Cougar Health Services.
For additional information regarding opioid overdose, Naloxone, and the available training, visit the Cougar Health Services Opioid Overdose Prevention website.