University of Southern Indiana nursing students in the Population Focused Nursing Care class, taught by Dr. Ryan Butler, Associate Professor of Nursing, have partnered with USI Public Safety to bring a Narcan box to campus and educate the community on its use.
Narcan (naloxone) is a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. Administered as a nasal spray, it typically restores normal breathing within minutes.
“Together, we’re raising awareness about the Narcan box they are receiving from the Evansville Recovery Alliance. Our focus is on educating students about Narcan—how it works, how it can save lives and where the box will be located on campus," says Lisa Klem ’25, nursing student.
The Narcan box was installed at the C-Store by the on-campus apartments and a dedication ceremony was held on Monday, February 17. Abigail McIntosh, Instructor in Nursing; her nursing students; Sam Preston, Director of Public Safety; and Nathan Devillez, Assistant Director of Public Safety were in attendance at the ceremony.
While USI Public Safety officers already carry Narcan, this initiative enhances accessibility and reinforces campus safety.
“The use of Narcan has been seen nationally as a tool that saves lives. Any time we can have a tool that could potentially save a life, we want to have that available. It was good for Public Safety to work with these students on the process and the experience of obtaining a Narcan box,” says Preston. “I provided guidance to the students as they worked on the project, and because this was a learning project, they were able to include an educational piece as well.”
As part of their outreach, nursing students hosted tabling events to educate the campus on recognizing opioid overdoses and the importance of calling for emergency help after administering Narcan.
The C-Store was chosen as the most accessible location, ensuring 24/7 availability. Though opioid overdoses are not a known issue on campus, Preston emphasizes the importance of being prepared. “Addiction can happen anywhere. This box provides an extra layer of protection,” he says.
The Narcan box was generously donated by the Evansville Recovery Alliance and will also be stocked by the organization.
For more information, contact USI Public Safety at 812-464-1845.