Substance use is a reality in our province. And unfortunately, British Columbia is in the midst of a toxic drug crisis.
At the University of the Fraser Valley, we recognize the importance of raising awareness about the risks associated with toxic drug supplies. There’s progress to be made, and we are dedicated to ensuring our community has access to reliable information and resources to make informed, responsible decisions. Our commitment is unwavering as we strive to create a safer and more supportive campus environment for everyone.
If you or someone near you begins showing any signs of an opioid overdose:
- Recognize the signs of an opioid overdose (see below)
- Call 9-1-1
- Administer nasal Naloxone
- Stay until help arrives
If you’re on campus, call 9-1-1 first. After calling 9-1-1, contact campus Security at at 1-855-282-7770 (local 7770).
Signs & symptoms of an opioid overdose
- Blue or grey lips or nails
- Dizziness and confusion
- Can’t be woken up
- Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
- Slow, weak or no breathing
- Drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
Download the opioid overdose poster for quick reference on recognizing and responding to an opioid overdose.
Safer use
If you use drugs, please don’t use alone.
We encourage you to seek training on the use of naloxone—it’s an effective treatment for drug overdose and can save lives. Make sure that naloxone is readily available and highly visible when using drugs.
For those on campus, nasal naloxone kits are now available around the campus next to the Automated External Defibrillators (AED) and in common areas of the Lá:lem te Baker building. Additionally, campus security carries naloxone and is trained in its administration.
The university adheres to the guidance provided by the province and our local health authority on harm reduction. This involves educating students, staff, and faculty about available resources, emergency procedures, and the potential risks associated with substance use.
Everyone can learn about harm reduction and naloxone use for free at Toward the Heart, and the Canadian Red Cross.
We encourage those who use drugs to download and use the LifeguardConnect app.
Opioids are substances used for pain relief, and the opioid crisis refers to the dramatic increase in opioid overdose deaths in BC. Opioids like heroin and morphine come from the opium plant, while others such as fentanyl are synthetic. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. The main concern with opioids is that they slow breathing, and too much of an opioid can cause breathing to stop, leading to brain damage or death. Opioids are often added to other drugs by suppliers to increase dependency. Unfortunately, the person in active use may not realize an opioid (e.g. fentanyl) is mixed in their drugs.
Naloxone is an easy-to-use, safe, and effective medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It attaches to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking opioids for 30-60 minutes and reversing the respiratory depression that would otherwise lead to death from an overdose. Naloxone only works on opioid receptors and cannot counter the effects of other drugs such as benzodiazepines, alcohol, or stimulants.
Naloxone is safe, and the most common side effect is opioid withdrawal. It cannot make you high, and it is not possible to overdose on naloxone.
How to acquire a free Naloxone kit
The University of the Fraser Valley is providing free THN kits because opioids, including fentanyl, are available in the Fraser Valley, and there is a potential for an opioid overdose even in those who do not knowingly use opioids. THN kits are provided to UFV faculty, students, and staff free of charge through your local pharmacies.
Find a pharmacy that distributes naloxone kits
