Narcan Training and Distribution for Faculty and Staff

Quicklinks

How does UCSC Risk Services provide Harm Reduction services to UCSC staff and faculty with this program?

One of the major causes of opioid overdoses nationwide is the unintentional ingestion of opiates. In recent years popular recreational drugs like cocaine, Xanax and Adderall have become risks for opioid overdose, as lethal traces of the synthetic opioid fentanyl have been found in the US drug supply. Our Harm Reduction strategies are intended to address the risks of potential fentanyl contamination.

As part of our harm reduction plan at UCSC, Risk Services provides Naloxone for staff and faculty. Our aim is to keep the community safe and reduce the risk of overdose death in the Santa Cruz community.

About Narcan (Naloxone)

Naloxone (brand name Narcan) is a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.

About Opioid Overdoses:

Opioids (such as fentanyl, oxycodone, heroin, and morphine) can slow or stop breathing when taken in high doses.
Signs of an opioid overdose include: very slow or no breathing, blue or gray lips and fingertips, unresponsiveness, and tiny (pinpoint) pupils.
Overdoses can happen to anyone—even those prescribed opioids for pain management.

Naloxone is available at no cost.

Narcan is a safe, FDA-approved medication that quickly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.
It works by blocking opioids from attaching to brain receptors, restoring normal breathing within 2–3 minutes.
Narcan has no effect if opioids are not present, which means it is safe to use even if you’re unsure.
Side effects are rare and generally mild compared to the risk of overdose.
Lasts about 60 to 120 minutes

Why Access Matters

Most opioid overdoses occur in the presence of others, making bystander access to Narcan lifesaving.
Narcan is easy to use: the nasal spray requires no medical training.
California allows Narcan to be carried and administered by non-medical individuals.

Key Statistics

In Santa Cruz County, Fentanyl-related deaths surged from 6 in 2020 to 62 in 2022, and 100 in 2023, reflecting a sharp rise in overdose risk (Lookout Santa Cruz)
More than 80,000 people in the U.S. died from opioid overdoses in 2023 (CDC).
Fentanyl is involved in the majority of opioid overdose deaths today.

How do I obtain Naloxone?

UCSC staff and faculty can watch this training video and complete a short quiz to receive free Narcan.

Upon quiz completion, send a screenshot to Elizabeth Tomlinson, Occupational Health Specialist, at ektomlin@ucsc.edu to schedule a pick up of naloxone. This free naloxone is available through the CDPH Naloxone Distribution Project.

For facilitated Narcan training, click to view the Occupational Health Training Page.

Workers’ Compensation

The UCSC Workers’ Compensation office coordinates the claims process with Sedgwick and works closely with employees and their departments to identify transitional work assignments.

Insurance & Claims

Office of President Risk Services is responsible for the management of systemwide risk management programs including the placement of insurance. UCSC Risk Services administers these programs, and insurance claims, for the campus.

Workplace Violence Protection Plan

UC Santa Cruz is committed to supporting campus safety and addressing any act of violence or threat of violence that occurs. UC Santa Cruz is committed to creating a workplace where all employees feel safe and respected.

Faculty & Staff Wellbeing

Risk Services strives to create a healthy campus community and work environment for faculty and staff through the Faculty & Staff Wellness Program by creating integrated programs and services designed to provide tools and skills for leading healthy lifestyles and preventing injury and illness.

Staff and Resources

Our team includes specialists in disability management, workers’ compensation, property & casualty, risk mitigation, faculty & staff well-being, and occupational health. In addition, we provide comprehensive resources, and ongoing support to foster a culture of safety and a healthy work environment.