Prevent Opioid Overdose
The U.S. is in the midst of an opioid overdose epidemic.
Modesto Junior College has resources available for students to learn how to recognize and prevent opioid overdose. Health Services offers fentanyl test strips and free opioid overdose medication, Narcan Nasal Spray, to keep on hand if you or someone close to you is at risk for opioid overdose. Anyone who uses opioids can be at risk for opioid overdose.
Facts about Opioid Overdose
- 70% of all drug overdose deaths in the US involve opioids.
- Opioid drugs include fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, heroin, tramadol, codeine, morphine, and methadone.
- Overdosing on these drugs depresses the brain's respiratory drive. Breathing slows excessively or stops. Death is caused by lack of oxygen.
- Anyone can save a life during an opioid overdose by learning how to administer Narcan (naloxone), a drug that reverses the effects of opioids and restores breathing. Narcan can be given through a nasal spray.
- To reduce the risk of death from opioid overdose, it is recommended by the FDA that
the following people carrying naloxone:
- Individuals who take opioids and are at-risk for opioid overdose.
- Friends, family, and caregivers of individuals who take opioids.
- For more information, visit California Department of Public Health.
Obtain Free Nasal Narcan (over the counter)
Request Narcan over the counter at Modesto Junior College Health Services during office hours. You may also schedule an appointment to review the training with a nurse.
California Department of Public Health's training video: Administering Naloxone.
Fentanyl and Fentanyl/XylazineTest Strips
Available over-the counter in Health Services, fentanyl test strips (FTS) and fentanyl/xylazine test strips are a low-cost method of helping prevent drug overdoses and reducing harm. FTS are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in all different kinds of drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, etc.) and drug forms (pills, powder, and injectables). Click here to learn more.
If you or a loved one are worried about opioid use, take an anonymous self-screening to receive resources and recommendations. For 24/7 mental health support, connect with TimelyCare. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or call (209) 558-4600 for local support.
Campus Opioid Safety Act
Modesto Junior College participates in the Naloxone Distribution Program through the California Department of Public Health and was issued a standing order in 2023. The standing order was issued by the state Public Health Officer (authorized by California Civil Code Section 1714.22) to:
- allow community organizations and other entities in California to distribute naloxone to a person at risk of an opioid-related overdose or to a family member, friend, or other person in a position to assist; and
- allow for the administration of naloxone by a family member, friend, or other person
to a person
experiencing or reasonably suspected of experiencing an opioid overdose.
To learn more about the Campus Opioid Safety Act, click here.
California Good Samaritan Policy
Under California Health and Safety Code 11376.5, a person will not be charged with drug possession or use crimes if that person: acts in good faith, and seeks medical assistance/emergency medical services for another person experiencing a drug-related overdose. This law was designed to encourage a witness of a drug-related overdose to call 911 or seek emergency help in a timely manner to save the life of the overdose victim. For more information: Understanding California’s 911 Good Samaritan Law.