How does UCSC Risk Services provide Harm Reduction services to UCSC staff and faculty with this program?
One of the major causes of opioid overdoses nationwide is the unintentional ingestion of opiates. In recent years, popular recreational drugs like cocaine, Xanax, and Adderall have become risks for opioid overdose, as lethal traces of the synthetic opioid fentanyl have been found in the US drug supply. Our Harm Reduction strategies are intended to address the risks of potential fentanyl contamination.
As part of our harm reduction plan at UCSC, Risk Services provides Naloxone for staff and faculty. We aim to keep the community safe and reduce the risk of overdose death in the Santa Cruz community.
About Opioid Overdoses:
- Opioids (such as fentanyl, oxycodone, heroin, and morphine) can slow or stop breathing when taken in high doses.
- Signs of an opioid overdose include: very slow or no breathing, blue or gray lips and fingertips, unresponsiveness, and tiny (pinpoint) pupils.
- Overdoses can happen to anyone—even those prescribed opioids for pain management.
About Narcan (Naloxone)
- Narcan is a safe, FDA-approved medication that quickly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.
- It works by blocking opioids from attaching to brain receptors, restoring normal breathing within 2–3 minutes.
- Narcan has no effect if opioids are not present, which means it is safe to use even if you’re unsure.
- Side effects are rare and generally mild compared to the risk of overdose.
- Lasts about 60 to 120 minutes
Why Access Matters
- Most opioid overdoses occur in the presence of others, making bystander access to Narcan lifesaving.
- Narcan is easy to use: the nasal spray requires no medical training.
- California allows Narcan to be carried and administered by non-medical individuals.
Key Statistics
- More than 80,000 people in the U.S. died from opioid overdoses in 2023 (CDC).
- Fentanyl is involved in the majority of opioid overdose deaths today.
- Quick administration of Narcan can reverse an overdose in minutes and save a life.
- In Santa Cruz County, Fentanyl-related deaths surged from 6 in 2020 to 62 in 2022, and 100 in 2023, reflecting a sharp rise in overdose risk (Lookout Santa Cruz)
How do I obtain naloxone?
UCSC staff and faculty can watch this training video and complete a short quiz to receive free Narcan.
Upon quiz completion, send a screenshot to Elizabeth Tomlinson, Occupational Health Specialist, at ektomlin@ucsc.edu to schedule a pick up of naloxone. This free naloxone is available through the CDPH Naloxone Distribution Project.