Pubdate: Thu, 08 Sep 2016 Source: Daily Courier, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2016 The Okanagan Valley Group of Newspapers Contact: http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/531 Page: A1 OVERDOSE KITS OFFERED TO STUDENTS AT UBCO Free naloxone kits aimed at saving lives of drug users UBC Okanagan is now offering free take-home naloxone kits to help students reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. The new program is in response to the public health emergency declared in April by provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall over the increasing number of drug overdoses across B.C. "We have not seen an increase of drug use on campus, but the risk of drug use is significantly higher as a result of fentanyl being cut with other drugs or being used alone," said Jean Bryans, primary health nurse at UBCO. "We at student health services have not responded to any drug overdoses on campus, (but) I think it would be naive to think there aren't any students on campus that are using any kind of illicit drugs." Bryans stressed the program is not equivalent to a safe injection site. "The take-home naloxone program is just one proactive measure amongst other harm-reduction strategies on campus," she said. "Across B.C., health-care providers are offering this kit to any opioid users. I think it is prudent to be prepared." UBCO students interested in a take-home naloxone kit must go to the health and wellness office on campus and speak with a nurse, said Bryans. "They would meet with me and we would discuss their issues concerning substance use and, if appropriate, they would receive training and education on how to use the kit," she said. Only a small number of naloxone kits are available at UBCO for now, said Bryans. "We're starting very small, because we're not responding to a demand at this point." Along with offering the naloxone kits, UBCO is also running a drug-awareness campaign, using posters and workshops to raise awareness about the risks of drug use. "I think the main issue is to be aware of the risk of drug use, given the number of fatalities that have been recorded around the province," said Bryans. "The second part would be if any student or family member or friend of someone who is using illicit substances want more information or support, they simply have to drop in or call to make an appointment." The UBCO health and wellness centre is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, and is located in Room 337 on the third floor of the University Centre. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt