Campus scenes, Allison Corona photo

Wellness Services joined forces with Central District Health and Boise State's Department of Public Safety in a critical initiative to tackle the growing opioid crisis. This life-saving program will equip 40 locations across campus, including residence halls, Athletics facilities, Albertsons Library and the Student Union Building, with easily accessible opioid overdose response boxes. The staff in these buildings have received overdose response training from Central District Health, and open training sessions for Boise State community members will be offered by Wellness Services starting in September.

Each opioid overdose response box contains four doses of Narcan, a brand of naloxone nasal spray that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. Boxes also include instructions, overdose information, a face shield for administering rescue breaths, gloves, alcohol wipes and a pulse oximeter. These items will assist anyone in taking immediate action in an emergency until professional help arrives.

Boise State prioritizes the health and safety of all campus community members. Part of providing a safe environment includes planning for potential medical emergencies such as opioid overdoses. The U.S. faces a dramatic rise in opioid misuse and overdose deaths, fueled by potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Fentanyl, up to 100 times more potent than morphine, significantly increases the risk of accidental overdoses in drugs like cannabis, cocaine and prescription medications.

Idaho, particularly Ada County, is grappling with a severe opioid crisis. In 2022 alone, opioid overdoses claimed the lives of 270 Idaho residents, with Ada County recording the highest number of such deaths in the state.

Boise State isn't alone in this fight. The opioid overdose response program, spearheaded by Wellness Services, garnered strong support from internal groups like ASBSU, JED Campus and the Department of Public Safety. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, SAFE Project and Central District Health also are involved.

This collaborative effort exemplifies Boise State's commitment to the health and well-being of its community. By equipping the campus with resources and training, individuals are empowered to respond to opioid overdoses and, ultimately, save lives.

For more information on this project and how to respond to an opioid overdose, visit the Wellness Services Opioid Overdose Response Project page.

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