Narcan Access and Stigma Reduction Initiative

Students Meeting

Through opioid settlement funding obtained in partnership with Regions 1, 2, 3, and 6, the NECPA is implementing a Narcan Access and Stigma Reduction Initiative across funded member campuses.

The goal of this initiative is to ensure that life-saving Narcan (naloxone) is accessible in key campus locations and that students, faculty, and staff are educated, confident, and empowered to use it in an emergency. By normalizing Narcan as a standard safety tool, similar to AEDs or fire extinguishers, this initiative aims to reduce stigma, increase preparedness, and ultimately save lives.

Education plays a critical role in shifting campus culture. When people understand that fentanyl exposure can happen to anyone, attitudes change from fear and stigma to compassion and prevention. This approach fosters a campus environment where preparedness is seen as care and access equals protection.

The initiative is organized around five key steps to implementation:

 

Step 1

Campus Care Box Policy Development

This policy aims to develop a comprehensive, campus-wide approach to opioid overdose response and Narcan availability specifically through Narcan Care Boxes, ensuring alignment with state laws, university liability guidelines, and best-practice standards for campus safety and public health. 

It is important to note that this policy applies exclusively to Narcan Care Boxes and does not modify, supersede, or impact any existing campus policies or programs related to other forms of Narcan distribution or use, such as Narcan provided through the campus health center, Narcan carried by campus police or security personnel, Naloxone stored in the veterinary school for use on large animals, or Narcan kits distributed by student organizations or peer support groups, etc., as these types of programs would continue to operate under their respective guidelines.

Implementation Steps:

  1. Review and Adapt Existing Models: Reference the Sample Narcan Policy to guide the development of campus-specific procedures and language.
  2. Obtain Administrative Approval: Secure formal approval from campus leadership, risk management, legal counsel, and student health services.
  3. Define Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly outline which departments or personnel are responsible for maintaining access boxes, monitoring usage, tracking data, and coordinating refills.
  4. Establish Reporting Procedures: Create a confidential process for documenting and reviewing Narcan administration incidents, ensuring compliance with privacy and reporting requirements.
  5. Integrate into Emergency Protocols: Incorporate overdose response procedures into existing emergency operations, including coordination with campus police, residence life, student health, and counseling services.

Step 2

Plan for Sustainability & Replenishment

The NECPA will sponsor the purchase of Narcan access boxes and silent alarms that notify designated staff when replenishment is needed, based on the funding allocated within each supported region.

Implementation Steps:

  1. Obtain Narcan: Secure free Narcan doses through Stop Overdose Nebraska resources — Find Narcan Near Me.
    • Note: Currently, there is no efficient way to obtain large quantities of Narcan for free. The only option for true "bulk" ordering is to purchase through Narcan Direct. Participating pharmacies can provide up to five boxes per person per day if you go in person. However, some pharmacies keep limited stock. If you plan to send multiple staff members (for example, four people to collect a total of 20 boxes), reach out to Amy Holman (amy.holman@npharm.org) at Stop Overdose Nebraska to help you coordinate with the pharmacy in advance so they can order additional boxes before your visit.
  2. Identify Additional Funding (if needed): Explore internal or external funding sources to support the purchase of additional access boxes and replenishment supplies.
  3. Assign Responsibility: Designate a responsible department (e.g., Student Health Center, Public Safety, or Wellness Office) for ongoing monitoring and replenishment.
  4. Configure Silent Alarms: Set up silent alert systems to route notifications to a shared campus inbox for timely restocking.
  5. Track Inventory: Maintain a monitoring log that aligns box inspections with other campus safety checks (e.g., fire extinguishers, AEDs) and track product expiration dates.
  6. Plan for Sustainability: Develop a sustainability plan that includes projected costs, replacement timelines, and potential expansion to new campus locations.
  7. Reference: See Sample Replenishment Policy for guidance on implementing a sustainable replenishment process.
    • As part of the replenishment plan, we require the use of silent alarms to alert staff when a box is accessed so Narcan can be replenished quickly.

Step 3

Installation of Access Boxes in Key Campus Locations

Campus Assessment & Access Box Selection

Conduct a campus-wide needs assessment to identify high-priority locations for Narcan access (e.g., residence halls, libraries, student unions, athletic facilities, and public safety offices).

Select Appropriate Access Boxes:
Choose Narcan access boxes that best fit your campus environment and installation needs. Options include (but are not limited to):

Next Steps:

  • Notify NECPA: Email your selected box type(s) to mbutler15@unl.edu for purchase coordination.
  • Install Signage: Add clear, ADA-compliant signage near boxes to increase visibility and normalize Narcan access.
  • Coordinate Installation: Work with facilities or maintenance staff to ensure proper installation and routine upkeep.
  • Map Access Points: Develop a campus map or integrate an app-based locator highlighting Narcan access points across campus.

Step 4

Stigma Reduction, Education, & Awareness Campaign
  • Students in funded regions (currently Regions 1, 2, 3, and 6) will see stigma-reduction messaging through targeted outreach on social media.
  • Campaign assets can also be shared through your campus communication channels to expand reach and visibility.
  • Host awareness events (Overdose Awareness Day, Recovery Month activities, opioid safety workshops).
    • April – Collegiate Recovery Week
    • May - Fentanyl Awareness Day
    • August - International Overdose Awareness Day
    • September – Red Ribbon Week, National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, National Recovery Month

Step 5

Information & Training for Staff and Students

Training and Education Recommendations

  • Participants are encouraged to attend NECPA-sponsored trainings and workshops when available.
  • The NECPA can also assist campuses in coordinating Narcan training sessions for faculty, staff, resident assistants, and student leaders. Whenever possible, these sessions should be integrated into existing training programs such as CPR or emergency response courses.

Suggested Implementation Strategies:

  • Include overdose prevention and Narcan training as part of onboarding and orientation for new students and staff.
  • Distribute quick reference cards outlining overdose symptoms and steps for administering Narcan.
  • Conduct periodic refresher trainings and scenario-based drills to reinforce confidence and readiness.
  • Integrate overdose education into health and wellness courses or campus-wide programming.
  • Create an FAQ page on the college website to address common questions about Narcan and overdose response.