Photo courtesy of UT Martin
MARTIN, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin Office of Student Conduct and Care announced a partnership with the Coalition for Healthy and Safe Campus Communities, the Weakley County Prevention Coalition and the UTM Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
This collaboration aims to increase safety on campus by ensuring that Naloxone – known by its brand name, Narcan – is readily available to respond to opioid overdoses.
Starting this month, Naloxone will be included in all automated external defibrillator (AED) stations across UTM’s campus and its centers. Each AED station is clearly labeled to indicate that Naloxone is inside. Any missing or expired Naloxone kits will be replaced following checks made by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
Naloxone is a life-saving medication used in the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdoses. According to the 2021 Healthy Minds Survey, 89% of UTM students are aware that Naloxone can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, highlighting the importance of education and readiness on campus.
The administration of Naloxone to someone suspected of but not in an active opioid overdose poses no safety risk. Those administering Naloxone in good faith are legally protected under Tennessee’s Good Samaritan Law.
This initiative is part of the Office of Student Conduct and Care’s ongoing commitment to fostering a safer and healthier campus community environment through prevention, awareness and proactive initiatives.
By making Naloxone available at every AED station, the campus community will have easy access to the lifesaving drug and can act quickly in the event of an opioid overdose.
In addition to making Naloxone accessible, the Office of Student Conduct and Care is also offering to facilitate Naloxone training sessions for students, faculty, and staff in coordination with the Weakley County Prevention Coalition. These training sessions will equip the campus community with the knowledge and skills to use Naloxone in case of an emergency.
“We are committed to the safety and well-being of our students,” said Office of Student Conduct and Care Director Shannon Perry. “Naloxone is a crucial part of that commitment, and we believe that by having it available at every AED station, we’re ensuring that our campus is prepared to respond to opioid overdoses, potentially saving lives.”
In addition to making Naloxone accessible, the Office of Student Conduct and Care is also offering to facilitate Naloxone training sessions for students, faculty and staff in coordination with the Weakley County Prevention Coalition. These training sessions will equip the campus community with the knowledge and skills to use Naloxone in case of an emergency.
For more information on the Naloxone initiative or to request training, contact the Office of Student Conduct and Care at 731-881-7703.