Narcan Distribution Program

Welcome to San José State’s Narcan Distribution Program.

All Spartans have a role in supporting our community’s health. Thank you for your interest. You can play a critical role in saving lives and stopping drug overdoses through the use of Narcan. 

To receive Narcan at no cost from SJSU, students, staff, and faculty need to complete the Narcan Distribution Program training.

The training can be accessed at any time and will take no more than 20 minutes to complete. SJSU community members are encouraged to complete the training to learn important information about the opioid crisis and how to administer Narcan.

Once you have completed the training, you will receive an email with pick up instructions. Narcan can be picked up at the front desk of the Wellness Lounge (Student Wellness Center) during business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Naloxone/Narcan?

  • Naloxone is a non-addictive medication used for known or suspected opioid overdoses. It is an opioid antagonist (blocker) that stops opioids from binding to the opioid receptors in the brain, thus countering the effects of opioid overdose. Common opioids include heroin, fentanyl, morphine, codeine and oxycodone. 

    Naloxone is available in the form of a prepackaged nasal spray (commonly known by the brand name Narcan). 

• Who should consider obtaining Narcan?  

  • If you or a loved one have an opioid prescription, or are struggling with opioid use, you can consider obtaining Narcan to keep on hand.

    Anyone obtaining any illicit substance (e.g., prescription medication purchased from the internet), may also consider keeping Narcan on hand. There has been an increase in substances laced with fentanyl, and individuals using these substances can unknowingly suffer from an opioid overdose.

    Carrying Narcan or having it on hand provides an extra layer of protection for those at a higher risk for overdose. 

• Does Narcan have any side effects?  

  • There are little to no side effects associated with Narcan. It is important to note however that individuals who are physically dependent on opioids can experience withdrawal symptoms after Narcan is administered. Withdrawal symptoms may include fever, anxiety, irritability, rapid heart rate, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and tremors.

• Can I use Narcan on myself?  

  • No, narcan is administered to an individual after an overdose has occurred. Because the individual who overdosed is likely unconscious and/or their movement and breathing may be restricted, they would need assistance.

• Who can obtain Narcan through SJSU’s Narcan Distribution Program?

  • This product is only available to members of the SJSU community, this means SJSU students, staff, and faculty. 

    Santa Clara County residents that are not part of the SJSU community can obtain narcan at no cost through Santa Clara County’s Sexual Health and Harm Reduction Program. Please visit their website to learn about locations and hours in which you can pick up the product. 

• Where else can I get Narcan?

  • In addition to the Student Wellness Center, Narcan can also be obtained at no cost through Santa Clara County’s Sexual Health and Harm Reduction Program. Visit the program’s website to learn more. 

    Narcan can also be purchased through the Student Wellness Center Pharmacy and local pharmacies. 

    For anyone outside of Santa Clara County, visit the National Harm Reduction Coalition to learn about harm reduction resources near you.

• What is SB 367?  

  • Senate Bill (SB) 367, known as the Campus Opioid Safety Act is a policy within the state of California that requires college campuses to provide educational and preventative information about opioid overdose, information about the use and location of reversal medication such as Narcan, and to participate in the Department of Health Care Services' Naloxone Distribution Program.

Resources

If you or someone you know if struggling with a substance use disorder, and you would like to learn more about treatment and referral services, check out the following resources:

• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• Santa Clara County’s Sexual Health and Harm Reduction Program
• Harm Reduction Coalition
• NextDistro
• If you need someone to talk to on campus, schedule an appointment with a counselor at the Student Wellness Center by calling (408) 924-5678