NARCAN® Available
November 29, 2022 4:02 AM

Dear Campus Community,

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has made naloxone HCI (a.k.a. NARCAN® nasal spray), an opioid antagonist, more readily available to reverse the effect of opioid overdoses. Distribution programs, beyond medical and trained first responders, have been proven to show a reduction in overdoses demonstrating positive results. 

Although our campus has not had a reported overdose, the Champaign-Urbana community has experienced several deaths. 

To be proactive, McKinley Health Center is coordinating efforts with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD), to offer NARCAN® in McKinley Health Resource Centers across campus. 

NARCAN® Access Locations Include:

• McKinley Health Center Pharmacy
• Illini Union, lower level in the Computer Lab and Student Space (CLASS)
• The vending machine at the Student Dining & Residential Programs Building (SDRP), Ikenberry Commons, mail room area

Students will be allowed access to NARCAN® once per semester. The item will come with instructions and educational information about preventing and treating overdoses. 

Doses are available now.

A dose of NARCAN® can save lives in an opioid emergency. If you or someone you know currently uses opiates, we suggest you keep a dose of NARCAN® on-hand. Supplies are limited. Please only access a dose if you feel it may be used. We want as many people in our campus community to have access to this potentially lifesaving medication as possible.

The medication can be administered by anyone (non-medical professionals included) in accordance with the instructions for use.

NARCAN® has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder.

Learn how to reverse opioid overdose with NARCAN® at narcan.com.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, call the State's Helpline for Opioids and other Substances at 1-833-234-6343, text "HELP" to 833234, or visit HelplineIL.org.

Sincerely,

Awais Vaid
Director, McKinley Health Center