New narcan distribution centers at TXST

By Bianca Thomas

News Reporter

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY — A new resource on campus allows patrons to receive Narcan at different locations on both the main campus and Round Rock.

Narcan is a nasal spray that rapidly reduces the effect of opioid overdose. This spray is available over the counter at most drug stores, but this program allows patrons to receive it [Narcan] for free on campus. Narcan is also synonymous with Naloxone. 

The process for patrons to receive Narcan is fairly simple. Students can walk up to the ‘Ask Alkek’ desk and ask for a box that contains two doses of Narcan. The student will remain completely anonymous. However, time and date collections are for inventory purposes. An employee will then go and retrieve the box and send the student on their way. One of Alkek’s supervisors, Matthew Greengold, explains how the Alkek employees have training to handle this new policy. 

“We’re making sure that our staff and student employees here at the library are well-trained and aware of the program,” said Greengold. “And we are committed to its [the distribution centers] success and the anonymous distribution of Narcan. The library takes privacy very seriously and everything that it [the library staff] does, so this aligns with our values in that respect.”

Other locations offering this program are the LBJ Student Center, Student Health Center, Student Recreation Center, and Division of Student Success on the Round Rock campus. The Student Health Center and Michael Ellis, another supervisor at Alkek, spearheaded this program. 

“Absolutely. I think it’s a wonderful program,” said Ellis. “And it [distribution centers] shows the involvement of the administration to be proactive in a serious condition that’s affecting a lot of different people.” 

Narcan is not a permanent solution to opioid overdose. Once administered, call 911.  

For more information, visit the Student Health Center: Texas State University (txst.edu)