Opioid Response and Naloxone

In accordance with the Washington State Opioid and Fentanyl Prevention and Education in Higher Education Bill (HB 2112), The Evergreen State College Student Wellness Services department developed this page to serve as a resource for students, staff, and faculty.

Opioid and Overdose Awareness

Opioids are a class of drugs, including morphine, heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl, that are derived from the opium poppy plant. They work in the brain to block pain receptors and include both prescription medications and illegal drugs. Opioids can cause sleepiness, relaxation, euphoria, nausea, and slowed breathing. Regular use increases the chances of tolerance, dependence, addiction, and fatal overdose.

Signs of an Overdose

The opioid epidemic is a pressing public health issue in the U.S. that we all play a role in overcoming. Understanding the signs of a potential overdose is one of the first steps:

  • Pale, clammy skin
  • Slow, irregular, or stopped breathing
  • Slow heartbeat or low blood pressure
  • Unresponsive to voice or touch; won’t wake up
  • Blue or purple fingernails and lips

Overdose Response

  1. Call 911 immediately if you notice any of the signs listed above. Tell the operator your location and that you’re going to administer Naloxone.
    1. The Good Samaritan Law in Washington State protects any person from criminal liability who provides emergency care to an individual experiencing an overdose. This means that you and the person who overdosed are protected from drug possession charges when seeking out medical help in good faith.
  2. Give Naloxone/NARCAN ®. Naloxone/NARCAN ® is a nasal spray medication that temporarily stops the effects of an opioid overdose. Give another dose after 3 minutes until breathing returns to normal.
    1. The WA State RCW 69.41.095 allows any person to obtain, possess, and administer naloxone.
    2. Learn more about how to administer naloxone. Anyone can administer it – you do not need any special training, and you can’t hurt someone by giving it to them if they don’t need it.
  3. Wait with the person until help arrives. When they wake up, they may be confused, irritable, or not feel well. They should not take any more substances.
Opioid Overdose: Administering Naloxone (Vimeo)

Naloxone & Fentanyl Test Strips
Locations on Campus

Fentanyl test strips are a harm reduction tool used to prevent overdose by detecting if there is fentanyl present in different types of drugs, like cocaine, MDMA, methamphetamine, and heroin. Visit the CDC webpage to learn more about lowering the risk of overdose.

What You Can Do to Test for Fentanyl (CDC)

You can get free Naloxone and Fentanyl Test Strips at a variety of on-campus locations:

  • Student Wellness Services, SEM II B pod, 3rd floor
  • Student Activities, CAB 313A, 3rd floor
  • Basic Needs Center, CAB 135
  • Student Equity Lounge, CAB 3009, 3rd floor
  • RAD Housing Office, A301, 3rd floor
  • Housing Community Center
  • Library Circulation Desk, Evans Hall 2300
  • Police Services, Evans Hall 1414, 1st floor
Remember:

The key to saving a life from overdose is to get professional medical help as fast as possible. If you are witnessing a drug overdose, don’t be afraid to call 911.

Additional Resources
Washington Friends for Life Washington State Syringe Service Program Directory Thurston County Resources

Resources for Other Substances

Marijuana

Alcohol

Nicotine

  • 2Morrow Health: smartphone app to help with quit. Modules for people who vape, smoke, or use other tobacco products
  • Washington State Quitline: call 1-800-784-8669 or text READY to 34191
  • EX Program: support from experts and experienced quitters, online exercises and tools, and personalized tools and tracking

Mushrooms and Hallucinogens

Other Substances

Cocaine, MDMA, Ketamine, etc.