Posted on September 17, 2024

Naloxone kits now readily accessible on VCC campuses

Naloxone kit

In response to the Government of British Columbia’s Post-Secondary Overdose Prevention program, Vancouver Community College (VCC) is making the overdose-reversing drug naloxone readily available and easily accessible at both Broadway and Downtown campuses.

Drug poisoning is the leading cause of death among young people in the province and can happen to anyone. Opioids such as fentanyl, methadone, morphone and oxycodon slow the body's functions such as breathing. Simple rescue breaths (CPR) and the easy-to-use nasal naloxone can prevent serious long-term brain damage or even death due to lack of oxygen to the brain. It's important to know the signs of drug poisoning and how to respond quickly. 

 

Know the signs:

  • The person is breathing slowly or not at all
  • The person is unconscious and cannot be woken up
  • Their lips and nails are blue
  • Their skin feels cold and clammy
  • Their pupils are tiny
  • You hear an unusual gurgling, gasping or snoring sound

Important things to know:

  • Drug poisoning is a medical emergency. Call 911.
  • Each naloxone kit contains two doses.
  • Naloxone is safe. It is a substance that temporarily reverses opioid poisoning. It restores breathing that is slowed or stopped by opioids.
  • Even if you're unsure the person is experiencing drug poisoning, when in doubt, administer or spray one dose of the nasal naloxone into one nostril. There is no negative side effect to administering the overdose-reversing substance.
  • Time is of the essence. Naloxone should be administered within the 5-7 minutes of drug poisoning. You can still give simple, rescue breaths (CPR) if naloxone isn't nearby.
  • Naloxone acts quickly, within 2-5 minutes.
  • You can also get training to get comfortable in using a naloxone kit.

 

Where to find Naloxone kits on campus:

  • Broadway campus, building A, level 4 by the elevators

    Naloxone kit

  • Broadway campus, building B, ground level, by the entrance doors

    Naloxone kit

  • Downtown campus, level 1, outside the Registrar's Office

    Naloxone kit

  • Downtown campus, level 2, by Work BC

    Naloxone kit

  • Downtown campus, level 3, across the Dental clinic

    Naloxone kit

 

Other VCC resources:

VCC Counselling
Students seeking help can contact VCC's free and confidential counselling services for personal matters and substance use.

Here2Talk
All B.C. post-secondary students can access free, professional counselling services 24/7 via the Here2Talk app, by visiting Here2talk.ca, or calling toll free 1.877.857.3397 or direct 604.642.5212.

Provincial resources
For more information about provincial services such supervised consumption sites, Naloxone training, medical information, and treatment options, visit https://www.stopoverdose.gov.bc.ca/ 

You can be a part of a safe and compassionate college community. Know where to contact VCC Campus Security at Broadway and Downtown.