The University of Wisconsin-Platteville installed 15 Nalox-ZONE boxes across campus, containing naloxone, also known as Narcan, a lifesaving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The boxes were donated by the organization Wisconsin Voices for Recovery.
“While our data demonstrates that we have been fortunate there has not been a prevalence of opioid usage at UW-Platteville, the problems of opioid misuse and fentanyl accidental overdoses have affected communities and college campuses across the country,” said Kate Demerse, UW-Platteville dean of students. “Because UW-Platteville is committed to the health and safety of our campus community, we are making naloxone available for any person in need, either in an emergency situation or in advance as a precaution against future overdose.”
The boxes are located in all residence halls, as well as Ullsvik Hall and the Markee Pioneer Student Center. Each Nalox-ZONE box contains two doses of the naloxone nasal spray, a breathing barrier to use if rescue breaths are needed, instructions on how to administer the nasal spray and addiction recovery resources. The police are not notified if a Nalox-ZONE box is opened.
“I’m so grateful to Wisconsin Voices for Recovery for their generous support of this project,” said Demerse. “I also want to sincerely thank the UW-Platteville committee who worked for over a year to make this project a reality, specifically Melissa Stoner, Dan Dargel, Willona Sloan, Shanna Capserson and Jennifer Artz.”
For more information about the Nalox-Zone boxes, including frequently asked questions, visit www.uwplatt.edu/department/dean-students/naloxone-uw-platteville.