Narcan Emergency Box Installed in the SSU

Education and support on substance use disorders are important outreach efforts on college campuses. Siena has now added an extra level of harm reduction: the installation of a Narcan emergency box.

Located in the back hallway of the Sarazen Student Union near the ATM, the housing unit holds eight boxes, each containing two doses of Narcan, a nasal spray that is critical in reversing the potentially fatal effects of an opioid overdose.

"This initiative simply aims to proactively increase Narcan availability, and is not a response to any specific incident or trend on campus," said Cathy Dockum, associate director of health promotion. "Research consistently highlights the life-saving potential of Narcan by making it easily accessible."

The emergency box is unlocked, and can be accessed any time the SSU is open. The doses are supplied free of charge to the College by the Albany County Department of Health. The College's Health Promotion office will ensure that the supply is maintained.

Dockum said Siena's nursing students had advocated to Student Life for a Narcan emergency response box on campus.

Siena's Public Safety officers were trained in the use of naloxone (the generic form of Narcan) several years ago, and have been carrying Narcan since then for emergency use. Director Ron Matos said Public Safety has not received any reports regarding an opioid overdose and "does not believe opioid overuse to be a campus crisis.

"That said, opioid overdoses and fatalities have been a sad and troubling issue across the country for some time now," he said. "There is no arguing Narcan's ability to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, which is why easier access to the medication is so important."

Dean of Students Adam Casler said the offices of Health Promotion and Public Safety have been "key strategic partners" in promoting, refining, and educating the campus community on a wide range of health and safety related issues.

"This work, which aligns perfectly with the 'Community' pillar of the College's strategic plan, has helped our students who are struggling to identify and access support resources for their overall academic, social, mental/emotional, and physical well-being and success."

When administering Narcan on campus, call Public Safety at 518-783-2999 for an expedited and coordinated emergency response. When administering NARCAN off campus, call 911.
Those who call for help and persons experiencing an overdose will both be granted certain protections by the Siena College Welfare of the Community (Amnesty) policy and New York State Law.

A Narcan training session led by Project SafePoint was held for the Siena community on November 8. Additional trainings will be offered on campus during the spring semester. Contact [email protected] for more information.