Learn how to identify an overdose, administer nasal naloxone, and perform rescue breathing at an Overdose Prevention Training.
Help make BU and Boston a safer place for people who use opioids. Overdose Prevention Training is tailored to the BU community and includes information about where and how to access naloxone, local and university policies that support help-seeking, and more.
Free and open to all BU students, faculty, and staff. All trainings are held on Zoom. Register for a date below with your BU email address.
Sponsored by BU Student Health Services and the Faculty & Staff Assistance Office. April 2nd & 10th sessions are co-sponsored by the Student Government Department of Sexual Assault Prevention.
Training Dates for Spring 2025:
- Thursday, February 6th | 3-4 pm
- Friday, February 28th | 3-4 pm
- Wednesday, March 19th | 3-4 pm
- Wednesday, April 2nd | 1:30-2:30 pm
- Thursday, April 10th | 6-7 pm
Register for Overdose Prevention Training
Resources
Steps for responding to an overdose with naloxone
- Stimulate the person awake
- Call 911 and tell dispatch that the person is not breathing
- Administer naloxone
- Perform rescue breathing
- Get the person in the recovery position (if the person begins to breathe), and re-administer naloxone (as needed)
- Overdose aftercare, including letting them know what has happened
How to administer nasal naloxone:
Watch here
As of July 2023, two over-the-counter (OTC) naloxone nasal sprays are available without a prescription (Narcan and RiVive).
Naloxone is available in all 50 states OTC. OTC naloxone aims to increase access and minimize stigma associated with accessing naloxone. OTC naloxone will be available to purchase in locations beyond pharmacies, such as gas stations and convenience stores.
These naloxone nasal sprays are identical when accessed either OTC or by prescription. Other doses and variations of naloxone will continue to be available by prescription only.
Protections for Getting Help
BU Good Samaritan Policy
Get help without being afraid – even if you’re under 21.
Boston University wants all students to be safe and look out for one another. The policy says, “When a BU student seeks help for themselves or others who’ve used alcohol or drugs, neither student will receive a sanction for alcohol or drug use, as long as they complete an educational or counseling program on campus.”
Massachusetts Good Samaritan Law
The Massachusetts Good Samaritan Law provides protection from arrest or prosecution for drug possession to encourage those who see a friend or stranger overdose to seek emergency medical help. The goal is to save lives and protect people so they call 911 right away.
Accessing Naloxone
Naloxone in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts there is a standing order that allows people to access naloxone through a pharmacy without a prescription. Consider going to a larger pharmacy, which may be more likely to have naloxone in stock.
Pharmacies close to campus include:
- CVS Pharmacy, 900 Commonwealth Ave.
- BMC Pharmacy at Shapiro, 725 Albany St.
- CVS Pharmacy (within Target) at 1341 Boylston Street
Naloxone Cost
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
Students who have the BU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) can access generic naloxone for free (no copay at pharmacy). To verify this information yourself: Call Member Services at 800-966-7772, or send a message through Aetna’s online portal.
BU Health Plan
Faculty and staff who have any BU Health Plan can access Narcan or generic naloxone for free (no copay at pharmacy). (Confirmed with Human Resources, OptumRX September 2023). To verify this information yourself, call OptumRX at 1-888-863-8578
Health Insurance
Other insurance providers may cover the full cost of Naloxone. (such as MassHealth). Learn more about how your health insurance covers naloxone by reaching out to Member Services about your benefits.
Without insurance, at a pharmacy
Without insurance, Naloxone kits can cost $30 – $50 (cost can vary) for two doses/one box of generic naloxone.
BU Resources for Support
BU Behavioral Medicine
BU students can connect with a mental health professional if you’re concerned about your own substance use, or if you’re concerned about a loved one’s substance use and would like support
BU Collegiate Recovery Program | recovery@bu.edu
A community of BU students in recovery from substance use
BU Health Promotion & Prevention | | shs-hpp@bu.edu
More information for BU students about alcohol & other substance use
BU Faculty & Staff Assistance Office | fsao@bu.edu
Services for BU faculty & staff, including: free and confidential short-term counseling, referrals for mental health and substance use treatment, and referrals to community resources