The Health Promotion office is increasing student and staff awareness and preparedness around opioid overdose response and harm reduction.

During Acadia’s Naloxone Education Week in October, they held training sessions in each residence building and discussed the nature of opioids, how to recognize the signs of an overdose, and the proper administration of naloxone.

145 students completed the training and received their own naloxone kits. Participants also learned about other harm reduction initiatives available through Acadia’s Health and Wellness services.

The initiative is making naloxone training more accessible to students, while reducing stigma and promoting health and safety across campus.

They also held a campus-wide naloxone training event and trained specific campus groups, including staff at The Axe Bar and Grill and all Residence Assistants, ensuring that the people in leadership and frontline roles are equipped to respond quickly and confidently.

To further enhance accessibility, they have installed new naloxone cases in the Student Union Building and in the lobby of each residence hall.

This initiative represents a significant step in Acadia University’s ongoing commitment to harm reduction, community safety, and public health education. Participants can bring that education and awareness back to their communities, supporting better citizenship, community understanding, and support.

Acadia’s other harm reduction initiatives include fentanyl testing kits, wound care kits, Keep It Social events, drink spike tests, and sexual health resources. All harm reduction materials are at no cost to students.

Students can reach out to Victoria Rombaut, Campus Health Promotion Coordinator (victoria.rombaut@acadiau.ca) if they are interested in more info or would like to have their own naloxone kit. Intramuscular, as well as nasal spray kits, are available for free to students.