Opioid Education

The opioid epidemic continues to impact millions of Americans through Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), overdoses, and overdose related deaths. Opioid overdose deaths, which have been dramatically exacerbated by fentanyl, have risen steadily to the current levels of over 60,000 deaths per year (CDC, 2020). The Connection AOD Program is continuing efforts to educate the SU community on the effects of opioids, signs and symptoms of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), signs and symptoms of an overdose, and how to help in an overdose emergency. This includes continuing to promote and distribute Naloxone (better known as Narcan) which can be used to safely and effectively reverse an opioid related overdose. The Connection Program offers trainings and Narcan distribution to individuals, classes, groups, teams, organizations staff, and faculty. Narcan remains available free to SU community members at Etter Health Center. It is also available free at Drug Stores such as CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens.