Narcan and Fentanyl test strips now available at Seattle Central College

In an effort to support those who have fallen victim to Seattle’s skyrocketing opioid epidemic, Seattle Central College has introduced Narcan and fentanyl test strips as a resource for students on campus, free of charge.

Earlier this year, the State Legislature approved HB 2112 requiring higher education institutions to provide individuals with access to Narcan (naloxone), a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdose when administered promptly as well as fentanyl test strips to allow users to test substances for the presence of fentanyl before consumption. 

Both the drug and housing crisis in the Seattle area is witnessed by locals to the point of desensitization. Now more than ever is it up to the citizens of the city to provide support to our neighbors in need. Carrying Narcan is a simple yet effective way to save a life in an emergency.

Look for the signs of opioid overdose. Unresponsiveness, slow or no breathing, cool or pale skin, and pinpoint pupils will tell you that an individual is in need of your help immediately. Call 911 and begin the process of Narcan administration. If you suspect an overdose but are not sure if it was caused by an opioid, administer Narcan anyway. It may not always be effective, but it won’t cause additional harm to the body. Don’t wait for others to take action first; every minute counts.

How to administer Narcan:

1. Lay the person on their back. Make sure nothing is blocking the airway.
2. Remove Narcan from packaging.
3. Hold the device with your thumb at the bottom of the plunger and your pointer and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.
4. Tilt the person’s head back, and insert the nozzle into one nostril until both your pointer and middle fingers touch the bottom of the person’s nose.
5. Firmly press the plunger to deliver the spray dose into the person’s nose, and remove the device once it’s delivered.
6. Support breathing with CPR.

Every nasal Narcan spray has two doses. If the first dose is administered and the individual does not respond within two minutes, deliver the second dose. Continue CPR until help arrives. 

Both naloxone and fentanyl test strips can be located at the following locations within the college and granted upon request:

• Campus Security Office, located in room BE1108 on the main Broadway campus, directly across from the 1701 Broadway entrance
• Information Central, BE1105, Broadway campus
• Mitchell Activity Center (MAC), ask at the reception area main desk