In 2024, the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 2112 to ensure that all institutions of higher education are providing education and access to nalaxone and fentanyl test strips to address the growing public health impact of opioids. UW LiveWell provides the educational training piece for any campus, while other campus partners fulfill the distribution of the actual products of Naloxone and FTS.
UW LiveWell provides free naloxone and FTS educational training to all UW entities (on any campus) which can be requested here. Further down is a list of locations where actual fentanyl strips and naloxone can be accessed for free by UW members.
Frequently asked questions about Fentanyl and Naloxone
What is Naloxone (brand name Narcan)?
Naloxone is a medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose. Opioids slow down the activity of the central nervous system. This can dangerously slow or stop breathing which may lead to death. Naloxone displaces the opioids from the opioid receptors in the brain which allows the person who is experiencing an opioid overdose to begin breathing normally.
Naloxone/Narcan do NOT impact alcohol poisoning. It doesn’t harm a person to use Narcan if one is unsure what substances have caused the overdose, but it is only effective for opioid based substances.
What are fentanyl test strips?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times
stronger than morphine. Fentanyl is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal
overdoses in Washington and the United States.
FTS are a harm reduction strategy designed to reduce the negative consequences of
drug use, including the risk of fatal and nonfatal overdose. Anyone can purchase and
use FTS to test for the presence of fentanyl in a drug. This Fentanyl Test Strips to Prevent
Overdose fact sheet contains additional information about FTS.
Tri-campus locations of Narcan & FTS:
UW Seattle locations:
- UW Husky Health Center, Room 101
- Odegaard Vending Machine: floor 1 café area
- Lander Desk in Lander Hall
- Willow Desk in Willow Hall
- HUB (ASUW Office)
- UW Food Pantry: has Narcan kits only; follow @uwfoodpantry for open hours
UW Bothell Locations: Campus Safety office
Mail-order access:
You can have Narcan nasal spray mailed to you anywhere in Washington State at no cost thanks to People’s Harm Reduction Alliance.
Use this state-based locator to find a pharmacy, clinic, health department, or community based organization in your area that provides naloxone distribution. We suggest calling ahead to confirm inventory and in the case of pharmacy access, request information about co-pay.
Opioid overdose signs:
- Respiratory Depression: Slow, irregular, or stopped breathing is one of the most critical signs. The person may have difficulty breathing or may not be breathing at all.
- Unconsciousness or Unresponsiveness: The person may be unresponsive to stimuli, including verbal commands or physical touch. They might be difficult to wake up or completely unconscious.
- Bluish or Gray Skin: A blue-gray tint, especially around the lips or fingertips can indicate a lack of oxygen, which is a result of respiratory depression.
- Slow or Irregular Heartbeat: The heart rate may be slow or irregular, which can be a sign of reduced oxygen levels in the blood.
- Pinpoint Pupils: Opioid overdose often causes constricted pupils, which appear as very small, pinpoint-sized pupils.
- Choking or Gurgling Sounds: The person might make unusual choking or gurgling noises due to difficulty breathing or airway obstruction.
- Cold, Clammy Skin: The skin may become cool and sweaty, indicating a lack of oxygen and poor circulation.
What to do
What to do if you think someone is overdosing
- Call 911 Immediately.
- Administer Naloxone via the instructions.
- Lay the person on their side in the Recovery Position to prevent choking.
- If there is no improvement, admister a second dose 2-5 minutes after the first.
- Stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives.
*Most states have laws that may protect a person who is overdosing or the person who called for help from legal trouble. Washington state has the Good Samaritian law that does this.
Naloxone/Narcan Online Training video:
Other resources
WA Friends For Life: https://wafriendsforlife.com/recognize-and-respond
Syringe Exchange
Access this directory of Washington State syringe exchange programs. Please note that all syringe exchange programs also provide overdose prevention and response training and naloxone distribution.
Registered Student Organizations at UW:
End Overdose is a non-profit organization aimed at reducing overdoses and empowering communities through education and resource distribution. UW-Seattle’s chapter holds several in-person trainings and events throughout the year. You can learn more by following their Instagram @endoverdose.uw
Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
CAN THE PERSON OVERDOSE AGAIN IF I’VE JUST GIVEN THEM NALOXONE?
Naloxone temporarily knocks the opioids out of the opioid receptors in the brain, this will trigger normal breathing. However, depending on how much opioids the person has in their system, they could experience a second potentially fatal overdose because the naloxone wears off in about 30-90 minutes. For this reason, we recommend the individual seek medical attention to ensure they are in the company of someone with additional naloxone in case a second overdose occurs. It’s also important for the person experiencing an overdose not to take any more drugs or alcohol within (at least) a three hour period. If you are unable to seek medical assistance, and can not stay with the person yourself, ensure they are in the company of an individual who is aware of the situation and has more naloxone.
CAN SOMEONE BE GIVEN TOO MUCH NALOXONE?
It is not possible to give so much naloxone so as to harm a person. However, if a person is dependent on opioids (including people without substance use disorders, but on chronic pain medication) or has a habit, the more naloxone they get, the more uncomfortable they will be because of withdrawal symptoms. Vomiting is a possibility. Be sure they don’t aspirate (inhale) the vomit by putting them in the recovery position if they’re unconscious. If the person gets too much naloxone, try to explain to them that their withdrawal symptoms will begin to fade in a half hour or so.
DOES NALOXONE WORK ON FENTANYL?
Yes. Sometimes it may take more doses, but studies show that a person experiencing an overdose involving fentanyl will usually ‘come to’ after 1 or 2 doses. Chest rigidity has been seen in some fentanyl-related overdoses and this causes the individual to stop breathing immediately. Naloxone reverses this too. The presence of fentanyl in street drugs makes it more important than ever to recognize and treat a suspected overdose immediately.
Have more questions about Naloxone? Read these common FAQs to learn more.