Dear UC San Diego community,
Since April 5, 2023, UC San Diego students have been able to pick up free naloxone nasal spray and fentanyl test strips via Student Health and Well-Being’s Naloxone Distribution Project. This project is a foundational component of UC San Diego’s harm-reduction approach to addressing drug use and misuse, as well as combating the rise of fentanyl-related overdoses in our region.
What is fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 150 people die daily from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Due to its synthetic nature, fentanyl is typically cheaper and is added into drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, ecstasy/molly, and counterfeit pills such as Adderall, Xanax, and Oxycontin. Two milligrams of pure fentanyl, about the size of four grains of salt, is enough to kill an average adult. People at the highest risk of overdose and fatality are those who unknowingly take fentanyl. Naloxone, or Narcan, is a medication that counters the effects of opioid overdose. Access to naloxone saves lives.
Naloxone Distribution Project
Naloxone is an opioid reversal medication that is easy to use and small to carry. Naloxone is administered as a nasal spray and has minimal side effects.
Free naloxone spray and fentanyl test strips continue to be available through pick-up from Health Promotion Services (HPS) — a Student Health and Well-Being department — at the Student Health Services building off Library Walk. Students, staff and faculty will need to watch an informational video and take the knowledge check prior to pick-up. Once completed, they can pick up the naloxone spray and fentanyl test strips. This information can also be found on the HPS webpage.
The Naloxone Distribution Project webpage lists hours for pick-up. On the day of pick-up, please check in at the front desk and staff will direct you to the pick-up location.
Additional Student Support
