UW–Madison provides free access to naloxone boxes on campus. The boxes include NARCAN®, a brand of naloxone nasal spray. This lifesaving medicine can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.
In October 2022, 12 naloxone boxes were installed in University Housing. In August 2023, UW–Madison added 13 more locations on campus to ensure the entire campus community has access to this lifesaving measure.
In recent years, deaths related to opioid misuse have grown significantly. In particular, there has been a sharp spike in overdose deaths attributed to synthetic opioids like fentanyl – including deaths among students at college. Among young adults, fentanyl-lacing has become a serious concern for people who use controlled substances or misuse drugs without a prescription. Fentanyl has been found mixed in with other drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, and in counterfeit Percocet and Xanax pills. Making naloxone available on campus will prevent student deaths due to opioid overdose and ultimately save lives.
Questions about this initiative can be sent to jenna.retzlaff@wisc.edu.
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, 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 can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. Naloxone will only work if a person has opiates in their system. It will not work to reverse an overdose from non-opioid drug use. A person cannot get “high” from using naloxone, and it is very safe to use.
When should naloxone be administered?
Naloxone (NARCAN®) should be given to any person who shows signs of an opioid overdose or when an overdose is suspected.
How is naloxone administered?
The type of naloxone available on campus is NARCAN® and NARCAN® is administered intranasally.
Is naloxone safe to use?
Naloxone is only to be used in the emergency of a known or suspected opioid overdose. Naloxone is not a controlled medication. It has no street value, and you cannot become addicted to it.
What if naloxone is administered to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose?
There is minimal harm associated with using naloxone on someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose. Very rarely do people have an allergic reaction to naloxone.
How long does NARCAN® nasal spray take to work?
NARCAN® nasal spray acts in two to three minutes. 911 should always be called in the event of an opioid overdose. If the person does not wake up in three minutes, bystanders should give a second 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 three years. UW–Madison campus will pick up the medication before it expires and redistribute it to first responders.
How many doses are needed?
It varies. Repeat doses may be necessary. 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.
Each box of NARCAN® contains two doses (4mg each).
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Why are naloxone boxes available on campus?
In recent years, deaths related to opioid misuse have grown significantly. In particular, there has been a sharp spike in overdose deaths attributed to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Among young adults, fentanyl-lacing has become a serious concern for people who use illegal drugs of any kind or legal drugs without a prescription.
To address this growing concern, UW–Madison provides livesaving NARCAN® in 25 locations on campus.
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?
Naloxone boxes are available in 25 locations on campus to ensure all students 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?
Naloxone boxes located in University Residence Halls are available to UW–Madison students with keycard access. Naloxone 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 – individuals who use illegal drugs or drugs without a prescription may take naloxone from the naloxone box. Additionally, individuals who know people who use illegal drugs or drugs without a prescription may wish to carry naloxone with them.
How many naloxone kits have been used since the boxes were installed on campus?
In the first year naloxone boxes were available in Housing (from October 2022 through August 2023), 28 boxes were accessed.
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 naloxone box is opened. If you are using the box to respond to an overdose, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone.
Where else can I get naloxone?
NARCAN® 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 (pin point pupils)
What resources does UW–Madison have for students interested in recovery from drug misuse?
Badger Recovery provides support and community for students in active recovery from substance use and/or other process addictions. The program offers consultation with incoming and current students, family and friends of students in recovery, as well as UW–Madison alumni.
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?
Instructions on using naloxone nasal spray are provided on the naloxone boxes and included inside the kits.
Training is also available for those interested in learning how to recognize the symptoms of an opioid overdose and administer naloxone nasal spray. Contact Jenna Retzlaff at jenna.retzlaff@wisc.edu for information on how to join a training.
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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. Rather, the student will 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 get your student connected to the assistance they need. If you have a concern you’d like to share, please give us a call 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.
Badger Recovery provides support and community for students in active recovery from substance use and/or other process addictions. The program offers consultation with incoming and current students, family and friends of students in recovery, as well as UW-Madison alumni.
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. To get started, students can set up an Access Appointment.
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.
During the Access Appointment, students will have a discussion with an access specialist who will listen, ask questions about a student’s symptoms, experiences, and resources, and connect them with the services they need, both on and off campus. Students will be able to make requests to be referred to mental health providers with specific identities, backgrounds, or training for their ongoing care here at UHS or in the community.
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.