Campus harm reduction efforts, such as making Narcan and fentanyl test strips available, is part of a large effort to support campus safety. These resources can prevent opioid overdose and save lives.
In recent years, deaths related to opioid misuse have grown significantly. There has been a sharp spike in overdose deaths attributed to synthetic opioids like fentanyl – including deaths among students at college. Fentanyl is much more potent than other opioids and difficult to detect. It has been found mixed in with other drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, and counterfeit pills. Many overdoses occur in people who do not realize that they have taken fentanyl.
Available Resources
Narcan Nasal Spray
UW–Madison provides free access to Naloxone, a lifesaving medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. Narcan, a brand of Naloxone nasal spray, is available in wall-mounted boxes at 35 campus locations.
Fentanyl Test Strips
Fentanyl test strips can detect fentanyl in various substances. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often found mixed in with other drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, and counterfeit pills. Many overdoses occur in people who do not realize that they have taken fentanyl. Using fentanyl test strips may reduce your risk of opioid overdose.
Free fentanyl test strips are available on campus at 333 East Campus Mall. Find them in the Health Vending Machine in the Student Activity Center (Floor 3).
Frequently Asked Questions: Naloxone and Naloxone Boxes
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What is naloxone?
Naloxone nasal spray, also known by the brand name Narcan, is a medicine that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. It works by attaching to opioid receptors and reversing and blocking the effects of opioids. Naloxone will only work if a person has opiates in their system and will not work to reverse an overdose from non-opioid drug use. If a person is not experiencing an opioid overdose, administering Narcan will not cause the person harm.
When should naloxone be administered?
Naloxone should be given to any person who shows signs of an opioid overdose or when an overdose is suspected.
How is naloxone administered?
Narcan is administered intranasally. Insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril, until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the person’s nose and depress the plunger. Watch the below video for a demonstration.
Is naloxone safe to use? What if naloxone is administered to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose?
Narcan is easy and safe to use. It is not a controlled medication, has no street value, and presents no risk of misuse. If a person is not experiencing an opioid overdose, administering Narcan will not cause the person harm.
How long does Narcan nasal spray take to work?
Narcan nasal spray acts in two to three minutes. Always call 911 in the event of an opioid overdose before administering Narcan. If the person does not wake up in three minutes, bystanders should give another dose, if available. Narcan nasal spray is short-acting and a person can go back into an overdose once it wears off.
Does Narcan nasal spray expire?
Narcan nasal spray expires after four years. UW–Madison campus will remove and replace Narcan kits in boxes across campus that are near their expiration date. Check the expiration date for any Narcan you have on hand, and safely dispose of it if expired.
How many doses are needed?
It varies. Each box of Narcan contains two doses (4mg each). One dose may not be enough to reverse the effects of the opioid. Narcan can wear off prior to the effects of the opioid, resulting in the need for an additional dose. If you administer one dose and the person does not respond, administer another dose.
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What is inside a naloxone box?
Each kit contains two doses of Narcan nasal spray, a breathing barrier (if CPR is needed), and instructions on how to administer naloxone nasal spray (in Spanish and English).
Where are naloxone boxes located on campus?
Narcan boxes are available in 35 locations on campus to ensure all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to campus have access to lifesaving medicine that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. In most locations, naloxone boxes can be found near the AEDs.
Who can access naloxone boxes on campus?
Narcan boxes located in University Residence Halls are available to UW–Madison students with keycard access. Narcan boxes located in other campus buildings are accessible during open hours.
If someone wants to carry naloxone on them, can they take it from the box?
Yes. Narcan is available for both emergency use or for proactive carrying by those who may be at risk of overdose or know someone at risk of overdose. Campus community members who do not live on campus or who work or study in buildings without Narcan are welcome to take Narcan from the box to keep in their home or office.
Will an alarm sound if the naloxone box is opened?
No, an alarm will not sound if the naloxone box is opened. A notification will be sent to inform UW–Madison that a box needs to be replenished. There are no additional signals or notifications that the box has been opened.
Will the police be called if the naloxone box is opened?
No, the police will not be notified if a box is opened. If you are using the box to respond to an overdose, call 911 immediately and administer Narcan.
Where else can I get naloxone?
As of February 2025, naloxone nasal spray is available at the following places free of charge:
Public Health Madison and Dane County
- 2705 E Washington Ave
Madison, WI 53703 - 2300 S Park St
Madison, WI 53704 - 2230 S Park St
Madison, WI 53713
Vivent Health’s Lifepoint Program
600 Williamson St, Suite H
Madison, WI 53703
Community Pharmacy
130 S. Fair Oaks Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Overdose Aid Kits (OAK) Boxes
Locations throughout Dane County
Frequently Asked Questions: Opioid Use and Fentanyl Lacing
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Are opioid use and fentanyl lacing concerns at UW–Madison?
While opioid and other drug use is low on UW–Madison’s campus, the University takes the issue of fentanyl lacing and opioid overdose very seriously. With this issue, the risks are incredibly high. Fentanyl lacing is a concern throughout the country as deaths attributed to synthetic opioid overdose are on the rise – especially among college-aged students.
What are the signs of an opioid overdose?
Signs of an opioid overdose include:
- Skin feels cold and clammy
- Fingernails or tips are blue or purple
- Body is very limp
- Can’t wake the person up
- Deep snoring or gulping sounds
- Breathing is very slow, erratic, or has stopped
- Pupils are very small (pinpoint pupils)
What resources does UW–Madison have for students interested in recovery from drug misuse?
Badger Recovery provides support and community for students in recovery from substance use, eating disorders, and other addictive behaviors. Students working with Badger Recovery have access to dedicated university staff who will continue to support and advocate for them along their recovery journey. Badger Recovery staff is happy to assist you in learning more about collegiate recovery options and discuss our program. To speak with a staff member, email recovery@uhs.wisc.edu.
University Health Services also offers Alcohol and Other Drug Assessments where counselors work collaboratively with students to identify their readiness to make changes in their alcohol and drug use.
Can I receive training on how to administer naloxone?
Narcan is easy to use. Instructions on using naloxone nasal spray are provided on the naloxone boxes and included inside the kits.
While you do not need special training to administer Narcan, regular trainings are held on campus through End Overdose and Wisconsin Voices for Recovery. For help connecting to a training, reach out to UHS Prevention.
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Will my friend or peer get in trouble if I call 911 because they're experiencing a drug overdose?
If a UW–Madison student is experiencing a drug overdose, they will not receive disciplinary actions, sanctions, or citations as a result of a 911 call. The student may be required to meet with a staff member from the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS) to discuss the incident and to connect with appropriate programs, resources, and support. Learn more about Amnesty Through Responsible Action.
Will I get in trouble if I call 911 because a friend or peer is experiencing a drug overdose and I've also been using drugs?
You will not receive disciplinary actions, sanctions, or citations for your own drug use if you call on behalf of someone experiencing a drug overdose, stay until assistance arrives, and cooperate with emergency responders. Learn more about Amnesty Through Responsible Action.
What should parents do if they're concerned about their student's drug use?
University Health Services is available to connect your student to the assistance they need. If you have a concern you’d like to share, please call UHS at 608-265-5600 or encourage your student to set up an Access Appointment. It is important to maintain open lines of communication with your student as you navigate next steps. For information on how to start the conversation with your student and listen with support, read the Navigating College Culture handbook from UHS.
Treatment/Recovery Resources
UHS Mental Health Services
An Access Appointment is the entry point to services at Mental Health Services and is typically done over the phone. During this appointment, together with you, we’ll collaboratively determine needs and connect you to the best resources to meet those needs. To schedule an Access Appointment call 608-265-5600 (option 2) or log on to MyUHS for 24-hour appointment booking. In-person appointments are available by request. This appointment will last about 20 minutes.
Badger Recovery
Badger Recovery connects and supports students in or considering recovery from addiction. This may include, but is not limited to: alcohol misuse, cannabis misuse, eating concerns, gaming addiction, and other addictive behaviors.
Safe Medication Storage and Disposal
Safely storing your medications and disposing of any expired or unwanted medications keeps our community safe. Read more on how to safely store and dispose of medications.
Support for Those Administering Narcan
Witnessing an overdose and administering Narcan can be upsetting or traumatic. Support is available to students through UHS Mental Health Services and to faculty/staff through the Employee Assistance Office.