U. Wisconsin Schools Now Have An Expanded Supply of Opiate Overdose Antidote

University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross announced today that UW law enforcement officers and campus security will all carry a nasal spray that has the ability to quickly reverse the effects of opioid overdose.

The system has reached an agreement with Adapt Pharma, who will provide the spray that contains Naloxone — also known by the brand name Narcan — at no charge.

“The UW System has been actively working with recovery stakeholders in Wisconsin to demonstrate our shared commitment in the fight against opioid use, and this is an important tool for our officers,” Cross said in a statement, per the Badger-Herald.

Opiates include codeine, oxycodone, methadone and Vicodin. Opioid overdoses can cause breathing to slow down or stop completely and Narcan can reverse the depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system. 

Narcan is available over the counter in many locations.

The Badger-Herald also reported that in a 2016 Healthy Minds Study, less than 1% of UW students reported misuse of opioids.  Around 7,000 students self-reported for the study.