A Narcan vending machine has been installed on Harper’s campus this year for the first time and lives in Building L’s high traffic area, across the hall from the bookstore. 

Narcan is a nasal spray used to counter an opioid overdose.

Harper’s wellness manager, Beth McPartlin, is working with the Kenneth Young Center to put these machines on campus. McPartlin said having Narcan available on campus is “essential to reduction.” 

“Our responsibility is making sure that we have awareness campaigns,” McPartlin said. “Not just about Narcan or the dangers of fentanyl but just making sure that we provide resources for our students and employees.” 

Since 2023, there has been a significant decrease in the opioid epidemic. However, in 2024, the CDC stated that there were, on average, 87,000 reported cases of overdose deaths, and 87% of those cases involved fentanyl. 

“We’ve probably been touched by it, whether we know it or not,” McPartlin said. “So I think it’s really important that we all play a part in reducing the opioid epidemic, but also hopefully we can all play a part in saving a life.” 

Along with the conversation of the opioid crisis, it needs to be accessible for everyone.

“I think providing access to that, especially on a college campus, can be really important,” McPartlin said. “We serve community members, we serve students, we have employees here, and we have a nursing program and so forth, and having access to things like Narcan are really important in helping support that.” 

While there is only one vending machine located in Building L, there are AED boxes that supply Narcan around campus.

To request drug test strips along with Narcan, a form on their website under ‘Harper Wellness – Harm Reduction’ can be filled out by any member of Harper’s community. 

McPartlin explains that there is another route for students who may feel uncomfortable taking Narcan from the machine on campus. They can also pick it up from the Health and Recreation Center in building M with no charge or questions asked. 

“My job isn’t to judge, my job is to reduce the harm,” McPartlin said. “With having the Narcan machines available to students, I’m hoping that they’re having those conversations on how we can protect one another and reduce the risk.”

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