Sheridan is joining postsecondary institutions across Canada in educating employees and students on the signs of an opioid overdose, and providing training to key staff across the college on the administration of a safe, quick-acting antidote. This initiative is a joint effort by our Student Affairs and Campus Safety teams.
In the coming weeks, you will see posters near student communal areas and our Student Health Centres (see here), educating the community about the signs of an overdose caused by opioids like fentanyl, how to avoid the risks, and what to do if you suspect an overdose.
As part of our readiness and best practice efforts around opioids, Sheridan is also making Naloxone (Narcan), a nasal spray used as a temporary opioid antidote, available on campus through Security and a number of trained designated carriers:
- Narcan kits will be made available to Campus Security as part of their First Aid Kits.
- A number of kits will also be issued to designated departments across our three campuses, ensuring they are readily available to trained employees in each area.
- Designated carriers and trained Narcan administrators are anticipated to include the Student Health Centres, Residences, The Centres for Student Success, the Sheridan Student Union, the Pubs, Athletics Facilities, and the Libraries.
- Training for these staff members is currently underway.
Please note that Sheridan staff, not part of the designated groups above, or students who enquire at the Student Health Centres for Narcan kits, will be directed to a licensed pharmacy.
The Student Affairs Standard Operating Guideline titled “Replacement and Use of Naloxone (Narcan) on Campus” was created to support the rollout of Narcan across Sheridan’s campuses.
If you have any questions about these initiatives, please contact Tammy Datars, Manager, Student Health Centres.
