Harm Reduction

How to Respond to an Overdose

1. Check for signs of overdose. Slowed or stopped breathing, gurgling, or snoring sounds while breathing. Blue-gray lips and fingertips. Watch this video about signs of overdose.
2. Call 911. Say “someone isn’t breathing” or “I think it’s an overdose.”
3. Give Narcan. Place the tip into one nostril of the person's nose. Push pump to release the entire dose. If no response, keep giving doses every three minutes, changing nostrils each time.
4. Give rescue breaths. Make sure the mouth is clear. Tilt head back, lift chin, pinch nose. Give one breath every five seconds. Make sure the chest rises and falls with each breath.
5. Stay until help arrives.

Watch this video about how to respond to an overdose.

Narcan on Campus

In 2024, Emerson College became Community Naloxone Program (CNP) in effort to increase access to naloxone in Massachusetts and to prevent death from opioid overdose. Since Emerson is located in downtown Boston, not only are we prepared to save lives on campus, we can also be ready to save lives in our community.

In the event of an overdose, rapid access to Narcan can save lives. Emerson has installed five NaloxBoxes in every residence hall lobby for emergency use. It is accessible for non-emergency use in the vending machine in LB mailroom and at health services. Naloxone is available over-the-counter from pharmacies in Massachusetts and free with your BCBS student health plan. 

Locations:

• Little Building lobby
• Paramount lobby
• Colonial lobby
• 2B lobby
• Emerson Los Angeles campus lobby
• Health Services: 216 Tremont St, 3rd floor
• Little Building mailroom: Vending machine

Narcan Training and Signs of Overdose

Narcan is easy to administer. Watch this simple CDC training, and instructions for use are on all NaloxBoxes and in each Narcan kit.

Additional Training Resources

• You Can Reverse an Overdose includes short videos on how to prevent an overdose, signs of overdose and how to respond to overdose for any community member
• ByStander This training is a “free” 20 min computer-based module. There is an applicable charge for certificate completion if preferred.

Stand Up to Stigma

Stigma is the disapproval of, or discrimination against, a person based on a negative stereotype. Stigma often affects how people with opioid use disorder are treated, making it difficult for them to find jobs, places to live, and medical care. Even if unintentional, the hurtful words and actions of others can keep people who are struggling with addiction from getting help and staying in treatment for as long as they need it. 

Safe Disposal

All unused, expired or leftover medications should be disposed of safely. Emerson has a medication/drug disposal drop box located in the hallway near ECPD and Emerson Emporium at 114 Boylston St. It is anonymous, open 24/7 and all materials will be destroyed.

Other Proactive Harm Reduction

Alcohol Harm Reduction: 

• Use safe drinking strategies like measuring and counting drinks, alternate drinks with non-alcoholic beverages, eat and drink water, avoid mixing substances.
• Try to moderate your use by reducing your intake and/or consume drinks with lower alcohol content.
• Avoid BORGing and drinking games. 
• Make a plan for the night and always know how you are getting home.
• Stay with friends and/or share location with friends.

Cannabis Harm Reduction:

• Take a t-break (tolerance break).
• Avoid using if you're pregnant, or if you or family members have a history of psychosis or substance use problems.
• Choose low-potency products - those with low THC content.
• Stay away from synthetic cannabis products, such as K2 or Spice.
• Use cannabis in ways that don't involve smoking - choose less risky ways of using like vaping or ingesting.
• If you do smoke, avoid deep inhalation or breath-holding.
• Occasional use, such as one day per week or less, is better than regular use.

For more information, please contact wellness [at] emerson.edu (wellness[at]emerson[dot]edu).