Free overdose prevention supplies available
Health Promotion student staff members, Natalie Quinn (left) and Anita Della Flora (right), showcase boxes of naloxone donated by The Naloxone Project.
Nationally, data shows a decline in drug overdose deaths from July 2023 to July 2024. While it appears that public health efforts are catching up to the overdose crisis, Colorado saw only a during that time, and even one loss of life is too many.
Free naloxone and fentanyl test strips
91ý proactively began bolstering overdose prevention resources in 2022, after new legislation allowed universities to distribute free naloxone and fentanyl test strips. Since then, the university has distributed 7,510 doses of naloxone and 10,633 fentanyl test strips.
Free naloxone and fentanyl test strips are available around campus, including the third floor ofWardenburg Medical Center, the CU Collegiate Recovery Community, Counseling and Psychiatric Services, Office of Victim Assistance, Recreation Center and Residence Life. Plus naloxone was recently added to the AED stations in every residence hall. Here areadditional ways to receive naloxone on campus and in Boulder.
Generous donors join the herd
91ý Health and Wellness services recently received a number of generous donations to continue and expand free overdose prevention efforts on campus.
This month,, which works to create an equitable and sustainable medical system that provides naloxone and saves lives, donated 10,000 doses and hosted a distribution event. donated 2,000 naloxone doses last fall. End Overdose also has a student group on campus that provides naloxone, fentanyl test strips and overdose prevention training. And, a year ago, Boulder County Public Health Works Program donated 5,000 fentanyl test strips.
Chris Lord (left), Bobby Tellez and Jen Kovarik (left to right) assist new donor, The Naloxone Project, team member unpack the 10,000 dose donation.
“CU is grateful to the Naloxone Project for its donation and to all those that have donated to these life-saving efforts. This support allows the university to continue expanding access to this critical resource,” said Kathryn Dailey, assistant vice chancellor of Health & Wellness Services.
Dr. Donald Stader, an Emergency Physician and the Executive Director of The Naloxone Project, emphasized why CU is such a valuable partner, stating: “In our country, drug overdose remains the leading killer of young adults, including college students. The fact is that every opioid overdose is treatable. In naloxone, we have a highly effective antidote. Knowing the signs of an overdose and having naloxone on hand can save a life and give someone a second chance. We are grateful for the leadership of CU in their bold effort to eliminate stigma, educate their community, and implore students, staff, and faculty to carry naloxone.”
Keep yourself and your fellow Buffs safe this semester with freeoverdose prevention and response training, additional health and wellnessservices, education and training, and counseling and recovery support. We’re here to support you, so never hesitate to reach out.