As Harper College continues to advance and introduce ways to improve the well-being of the student and alumni body, it takes a stand for its drug-free zone to keep the community safe. To help the conversation light up, two Narcan vending machines were placed in Building L.

Narcan is a nasal spray used to counter an opioid overdose, being an easily accessible and free antidote. 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.

With Harper College’s care for the community, they have established a form on their website under ‘Student Activities – Harper Wellness – Harm Reduction’ to request drug test strips along with Narcan.

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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