Even in the year 2024, and all the information about opioids and other drugs, we are still in the throes of a drug epidemic. According to the Health Resources & Services Administration’s website (hrsa.gov), it is estimated that over 130 people die per day of an opioid related overdose. Many of those overdoses are teens and college aged individuals.
Access to Narcan has never been more important, with Schoolcraft realizing this; they took the initiative to keep our campus safe with the free Narcan distribution boxes. These boxes are available next to the automated external defibrillator or AED. The Rescue Boxes can be found at the following locations on campus: Trinity Sports Dome lobby near the Reception Desk, Physical Education Building main hallway near the AED, Vistatech Main Street hallway outside of Henry’s near the AED, Vistatech Hallway near the Diponio Room, Lower-level Waterman/Student Activities area near the Food Pantry and the main hallway of the Manufacturing & Engineer Center near the AED, 13001 Merriman.
If you are unfamiliar with what Narcan is and what it does, it is a life saving nasal spray that helps open up the receptors by blocking the effects of the drug and restores the ability to breathe. Narcan provides detailed instructions on the box itself; while FAN has a couple three minute videos on how to administer as well.
Narcan is administered similarly like any other nasal spray, you put the nozzle in the person’s nose and spray. If the person does not respond, you can spray a second dosage. You cannot overdose on Narcan and there are small side effects, such as headache. It is not dangerous and cannot harm animals or young children.
Schoolcraft Police Lieutenant Matthew Mayes, stated that he saw many drug related overdoses during his decades as a law enforcement officer for the Northville police department and wanted to take a proactive response on campus regarding this issue.
“Here at the college, we take a proactive response to helping our students and this is one more thing we can use in our arsenal of safety,” said Mayes.
Though incidents of needing an AED are rarely needed on campus, it is always good to have access in case someone has overdosed and is in need of life saving Narcan. Mayes speaks to this with the story of the recent incident of a PPL student that had a cardiac incident and was able to receive lifesaving care because of the AED being close by.
The Narcan and AEDs are available in almost every building on the Schoolcraft Campus. Schoolcraft noticed that other higher education facilities were providing free Narcan and the college jumped on the opportunity, getting in touch with FAN [Families Against Narcotics].
“They graciously came out, and presented the program to us, putting it together very quickly,” says Mayes.
This program was received well by most on campus. When people notice the distribution boxes, they speak in support of the free access to the lifesaving nasal spray.
Anyone is welcome to grab a box and bring it home or keep some in their office. The boxes are refilled by the police department when they notice that the distribution boxes are getting low. FAN states that they are not only for medical or police staff. They are also not just for incidents on campus, but it is encouraged for anyone who would like to have the Narcan, in case of an emergency.
