Young people are dying of opioid overdoses. Are students and campuses prepared?
Digest
This podcast delves into the heartbreaking story of Bobby Schubert, a UCLA student who died from a fentanyl overdose. His mother, Monica Vera Schubert, fought for his addiction treatment and was devastated by his relapse and death. She criticizes UCLA's lack of response and the absence of Narcan, a life-saving medication, when her son overdosed. The podcast highlights the alarming rise in overdose deaths among young adults and the need for greater public health response. It discusses the importance of Narcan and the California Campus Opioid Safety Act, which mandates overdose prevention education and resources on college campuses. The episode explores the challenges of promoting overdose prevention, including the stigma associated with drug use and the fear of negative public perception. It examines UCLA's efforts to address the issue, including the availability of Narcan and fentanyl test kits on campus. The podcast also highlights the role of student-led organizations like End Overdose, which train young people to use Narcan and work directly with students to address the issue of overdose on campus. The episode emphasizes the importance of peer-to-peer education and the need for a more realistic approach to drug prevention messaging. It concludes by discussing the growing awareness of overdose prevention on college campuses and the importance of open conversations about drug use and overdose prevention.
Outlines
The Tragedy of Bobby Schubert and the Need for Overdose Prevention
This chapter introduces the story of Bobby Schubert, a UCLA student who died from a fentanyl overdose. His mother, Monica Vera Schubert, fought for his addiction treatment and was devastated by his relapse and death. She criticizes UCLA's lack of response and the absence of Narcan, a life-saving medication, when her son overdosed. The chapter also highlights the alarming rise in overdose deaths among young adults and the need for greater public health response.
Overdose Prevention on College Campuses: Narcan and the California Campus Opioid Safety Act
This chapter discusses the importance of Narcan, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, and the California Campus Opioid Safety Act, which requires colleges to provide overdose prevention education and resources. It explores the challenges of promoting overdose prevention, including the stigma associated with drug use and the fear of negative public perception.
UCLA's Response to Overdose Prevention and Student-Led Initiatives
This chapter examines UCLA's overdose prevention efforts, including the availability of Narcan and fentanyl test kits on campus. It highlights the role of student-led organizations like End Overdose, which train young people to use Narcan and work directly with students to address the issue of overdose on campus. The chapter emphasizes the importance of peer-to-peer education and the need for a more realistic approach to drug prevention messaging.
Changing Attitudes Towards Overdose Prevention on College Campuses
This chapter discusses the growing awareness of overdose prevention on college campuses. It highlights the increasing number of students who are carrying Narcan and the importance of open conversations about drug use and overdose prevention.
Keywords
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills. It is highly addictive and even small amounts can be fatal.
Narcan
Narcan is a brand name for naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. It is available in nasal spray form and can be administered by anyone, even without medical training.
Overdose
An overdose occurs when someone takes too much of a drug, causing their body to stop functioning properly. Overdoses can be fatal, especially when involving opioids like fentanyl.
UCLA
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research university in Los Angeles, California. It is one of the top universities in the world and has a large student population.
End Overdose
End Overdose is a non-profit organization that trains young people to use Narcan and provides resources for overdose prevention. They work directly with students on college campuses to address the issue of overdose.
Drug Intervention Institute
The Drug Intervention Institute is a non-profit organization that promotes overdose prevention training and provides resources to schools and communities. They offer kits with videos and naloxone to help prevent overdoses.
California Campus Opioid Safety Act
This act requires most state and community colleges in California to provide education and free naloxone to students. It aims to reduce the risk of opioid overdoses on college campuses.
Q&A
What are some of the challenges of promoting overdose prevention on college campuses?
Some challenges include the stigma associated with drug use, the fear of negative public perception, and the lack of data on overdoses on campus.
What are some ways that colleges are responding to the rise in overdose deaths?
Some colleges are investing in resources and training, while others are more hesitant. Some schools are using their own pharmacy school students to train other students, while others are distributing Narcan and fentanyl test strips.
What role can students play in overdose prevention?
Students can play a vital role by getting trained in Narcan administration, educating their peers about the risks of drug use, and advocating for greater resources and support on campus.
What are some of the key takeaways from this podcast episode?
The episode highlights the importance of overdose prevention on college campuses, the need for greater public health response, and the role of students in promoting awareness and change. It also emphasizes the importance of open conversations about drug use and the need to overcome stigma and fear.
Show Notes
Yet, there are ways to mitigate the risk of overdose, and even ways to reverse it.
Notably there's Narcan.
It's a brand of the medication naloxone, and it's often used in the form of nasal spray. If administered quickly, it can fully reverse an opioid overdose.
Are college campuses and their students prepared?
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