The incidence of deaths due to overdoses has been on the rise nationwide.
Part of the increase is due to the prevalence of the use of fentanyl as a cutting agent for other illicit substances. According to the CDC, fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than morphine; and, many times that of heroin. Because those using heroin (or other illicit drugs including cocaine) are often unaware the drugs are laced with fentanyl, inhaling/ingesting/injecting a quantity of these drugs which wouldn’t normally result in death; quickly becomes a fatal dose when combined with fentanyl.
The naloxone nasal spray Narcan is available on the Bloomsburg campus to help prevent overdose deaths. This easy-to-use, safe medication temporarily reverses the potentially fatal effects of an opioid overdose. It can save someone who has overdosed on opioids or other drugs that have been laced with fentanyl.
Be Safe – Rainbow Fentanyl Alert!
Know what to look for so you don’t accidentally touch or ingest these substances.
Rainbow Fentanyl is found in:
Brightly Colored Pills and Powders
Various Shapes and Sizes, including those that resemble candy and sidewalk chalk
If you suspect an opioid overdose - call 911 immediately and administer Narcan if available.
(Even if the person wakes up after Narcan is administered, still call 911 immediately) See the section below to learn how to obtain Narcan on your campus.
Remember - PA state law, Act 139 provides that you and all other parties involved will not be arrested or charged with parole violations or drug offenses if you call 911 - specifically stating that someone has "overdosed," provide all necessary information, and remain with the person(s) in distress. IMPORTANT: If you fail to report the situation as an "overdose" amnesty will not apply.
Narcan on Campus and Ways to Prevent Overdose
BU has a ready supply of free Narcan at our Student Health Center located in the Kehr Union.
Students may stop in to pick up the Narcan during regular hours. No Questions asked.
Each box of Narcan contains step-by-step instructions for how to administer it. Training on how to give Narcan is not required but is available for anyone who is interested, just ask a nurse in the health center.
Bloomsburg/Lock Haven/Mansfield University police also carry Narcan and are trained in its use.
If you believe someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 IMMEDIATELY!
Ways to Prevent Overdose
The safest choice is to avoid using drugs.
Only use pills as prescribed for you by a medical professional and purchased from a licensed pharmacy. Never use pills from a friend, roommate, stranger or social media/internet.
Do not mix drugs – alcohol, prescriptions or illicit drugs.
Avoid using alone so that others can help if you overdose.
If you, friends or family use opioids or other drugs, carry Narcan.
Reach out if you are struggling with alcohol, prescription or other drug use. Free and confidential help is available on campus through the Student Health Center located in Kehr Union.
Starting Friday, September 9, Students may stop in to pick up the Narcan at the Student Health Center during regular hours. No Questions asked.
Each box of Narcan contains step-by-step instructions for how to administer it. Training on how to give Narcan is not required but is available for anyone who is interested, just ask a nurse in the health center.
Ways to Prevent an Overdose
The safest choice is to avoid using drugs.
Only use pills as prescribed for you by a medical professional and purchased from a licensed pharmacy. Never use pills from a friend, roommate, stranger or social media/internet.
Do not mix drugs – alcohol, prescriptions or illicit drugs.
Avoid using alone so that others can help if you overdose.
If you, friends, or family use opioids or other drugs, carry the naloxone nasal spray - Narcan, an easy-to-use, safe medication that temporarily reverses the potentially fatal effects of an opioid overdose. It can save someone who has overdosed on opioids or other drugs that have been laced with fentanyl.
Lock Haven University police also carry Narcan and are trained in its use.
Training on how to give Narcan is not required but is available for anyone who is interested, just ask a nurse in the health center.“NARCAN Nasal Spray - How to use”
Reach out if you are struggling with alcohol, prescription or other drug use. Free and confidential help is available on campus through the Student Health Center.
Starting Friday, September 9, Students may stop in to pick up the Narcan at the Student Health Center during regular hours. No Questions asked.
Each box of Narcan contains step-by-step instructions for how to administer it. Training on how to give Narcan is not required but is available for anyone who is interested, just ask a nurse in the health center.
Ways to Prevent an Overdose
The safest choice is to avoid using drugs.
Only use pills as prescribed for you by a medical professional and purchased from a licensed pharmacy. Never use pills from a friend, roommate, stranger or social media/internet.
Do not mix drugs – alcohol, prescriptions or illicit drugs.
Avoid using alone so that others can help if you overdose.
If you, friends, or family use opioids or other drugs, carry the naloxone nasal spray - Narcan, an easy-to-use, safe medication that temporarily reverses the potentially fatal effects of an opioid overdose. It can save someone who has overdosed on opioids or other drugs that have been laced with fentanyl.
Mansfield University police also carry Narcan and are trained in its use.
Training on how to give Narcan is not required but is available for anyone who is interested, just ask a nurse in the health center.“NARCAN Nasal Spray - How to use”
Reach out if you are struggling with alcohol, prescription or other drug use. Free and confidential help is available on campus through the Student Health Center.
Know the Signs of Opioid Overdose*
Unresponsive; cannot be woken
Breathing is slow, weak or absent
Choking or snore-like gurgling sounds
Skin is cool and clammy
Bluish-purple lips or nails
Pale or ashen skin
Small, “pinpoint” pupils
* Call for help if you observe any of the signs.
What to Do
Call 911
If you suspect an opioid overdose, administer Narcan, if available.
If they don’t respond within 3 minutes, give another dose of Narcan.
Stay until emergency responders arrive.
Students who call for help, stay and cooperate receive amnesty.
* PA state law, Act 139 provides that you and all other parties involved will not be arrested or charged with parole violations or drug offenses if you call 911 - specifically stating that someone has "overdosed," provide all necessary information, and remain with the person(s) in distress. IMPORTANT: If you fail to report the situation as an "overdose" amnesty will not apply.
