Written for The Argo by Andrew Moodey.

GALLOWAY, N.J. – On Thursday, September 24th, the Wellness Center’s Alcohol and Drug Peer Educators spent five hours enthusiastically presenting Narcan nasal sprays to anyone who walked by or even glanced at the event table. They were successful in giving out a significant number of nasal sprays.

The distribution and education event were a part of Stockton’s participation in Save a Life Day, a nationwide movement in which individuals give away free naloxone and provide education about opioid use. The table at the event gave away nasal Narcan sprays, education on how to use them, and information on how to identify an opioid overdose. These provisions were not limited to Stockton students, and individuals all over the Galloway area were invited to pick up free naloxone.

Narcan, the brand name for the drug naloxone hydrochloride is a medicine which can help treat an opioid overdose event using a sprayable nasal aerosol. Along with a box containing the spray, the table provided both a pamphlet for substance-free and recovery housing as well as a small information sheet with contact information for addiction recovery programs and opioid response instructions.

Tara O’Keefe, the addictions counselor for Stockton University, spearheaded and directed the event.

“We want to create a culture of care, a culture where we take care of each other.” As someone who has lost people close to her to opioid addiction, O’Keefe has made an incredible effort over the past twelve years to help raise awareness of the opioid addiction epidemic and the importance of quick treatment options such as naloxone. By promoting this event, she hopes Stockton University students will look out for each other and provide care whenever and however they can.

O’Keefe repeatedly stressed the importance of knowing just how pervasive and life-threatening opioids can be.

“They can be laced in weeds, pressed in pills, and even found in coke, where it is easy to hide.”

To put the danger of opioid abuse in an even greater context, in 2024, Atlantic City has had the highest unintentional overdose rate in New Jersey. Thus, Stockton University has a rigorous anti-drug system with many accommodations and assistance programs for those who are seeking to or are continuing to recover. Such programs include substance-free recovery housing, support groups and meetings, peer-to-peer recovery systems, addiction counseling, and other alcohol and drug education services. These programs are shame-free and are easily accessible at the Stockton Wellness Center website.

Other than the primary reason of saving lives, O’Keefe believes one of the biggest strengths of these public tabling events is the ability to open up discussion about this taboo topic.

“It’s about destigmatizing and normalizing these things to foster more discussion about the problem.” Indeed, many students came to the table and opened discussions about the dangers of opioid use. These discussions are vital to not only educate more people about the problem, but to also encourage those suffering to reach out to help centers without feeling shame.

The event saw tremendous success as several boxes were sold by the eccentric Peer Educators from the Wellness Center. Alcohol and Drug Peer Educators are certified employees that provide rehabilitative support to those suffering from addiction. Capable students are always invited to apply at the Stockton Wellness Center as well.

Using naloxone also requires the ability to recognize an opioid overdose. Common signs include a combination of blue or grey skin, lips or nails; difficulty breathing; cold or clammy skin; loss of consciousness; small pupils; and gurgling or gasping. In this scenario, it is important to first check the individual to see if they are exhibiting the aforementioned symptoms, and firmly spray the Narcan into a nostril if they are. Bystanders should call 911 immediately while you continuously give doses every 2-3 minutes until they wake up.

Anyone can easily use a Narcan spray, and its small size makes it easy to bring anywhere, such as parties and social events where overdoses are common. Giving other people Narcan sprays or even telling other people about the dangers of opioid and miscellaneous drug use all work towards the unifying goal of preventing overdoses. Combined, these efforts will let anyone—even you—save another human’s life.