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Naloxone

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Working together to reduce opioid overdose and drug-related deaths

University Health and Counseling Services has partnered with Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided with Naloxone), University Hospitals, and CWRU EMS to provide training and free naloxone, also known as Narcan, at various locations on our campus. A prescription is not necessary to receive training or to pick up the medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.

Across Ohio and the country, fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 80-100 times deadlier than morphine, is becoming more commonly mixed into other substances.  Over 5,000 Ohioans died of an overdose in 2020, a 25% increase from 2019. Fentanyl was involved in 81% of those deaths. The smallest amount can be fatal. That’s why carrying naloxone (such as Narcan) is so important – to reverse overdoses and save lives.

Source: Ohio Department of Health 

What is naloxone?

Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist. This means that it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. But, naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder. Examples of opioids include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, and morphine. (https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/naloxone)

Who should pick up a naloxone kit?

Anyone can pick up naloxone and get trained. Whether you’re caring for someone who uses opioids to manage pain or you know someone with a substance use disorder, having naloxone can help save a life.

Where can I receive training?

  • University Health and Counseling Services
  • Campus Safety Fairs and Wellness Events
  • Watch this short instructional video

You should know how to:

  • Recognize the signs and symptoms of overdose
  • Call for help (216.368.3333 on campus or 911 off campus)
  • Administer intranasal naloxone

Where to get Naloxone in an urgent situation

  • Call for emergency assistance (216.368.3333 on campus or 911 off campus)
  • Closest AED

Where to get naloxone for free without a prescription in non-urgent situations:

  • University Health and Counseling Services - walk in and ask for naloxone at the front desk 2124 Cornell Rd., Dental Research Building Cleveland, OH 44106 Phone:  216-368-2450
  • LGBT Center- Tinkham Veale University Center, Suite 179 11038 Bellflower Road Cleveland, OH 44106 Phone: 216-368-LGBT (5428)

By mail

The following are options for individuals to receive naloxone for free in the mail, no insurance required.

Ohio residents:

Free Naloxone is available at five off-campus vending machines.

*Indicates machines with other harm reduction supplies such as fentanyl test strips, safe sex kits and wound care.

Additional Resources