The prevalence of naloxone distribution and training programs at 4-year public colleges in the United States

In response to opioid use among students in the United States (US), many colleges have made naloxone available on campus. However, the exact prevalence of such campus programs is unknown. As such, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and methods of naloxone distribution programs and training programs at 4-year public universities in the US.

A cross-sectional, simple random sample of 237 medium and large four-year public colleges in the US was included in the study.

The presence and types of naloxone distribution programs and related training programs.

Of the 237 colleges included in the study, 67 (28 percent) had a naloxone distribution program on their campus. The most common locations for naloxone distribution were through a campus wellness center (39 percent), opioid rescue boxes (32 percent), and health services (18 percent). Of the colleges with a naloxone distribution program, only 28 (42 percent) included student training. Most (68 percent) training was implemented in person, compared to online.

Given the nation's opioid epidemic, this study underscores the need for more naloxone distribution programs and educational training programs on college campuses to save the lives of those experiencing an opioid overdose.