Georgia Southern University Launches Life-Saving Initiative
April 18, 2025
Georgia Southern University’s Office of Student Wellness and Health Promotion, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health (JPHCOPH) Center for Addiction Recovery and Health Services have partnered to provide overdose prevention education to the campus community.
The University will distribute naloxone, a critical medication used to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, at no cost to students. This initiative is supported by a substantial donation from Savannah nonprofit No More O.D.s.
‘The health and safety of our campus and the many visitors it welcomes are of high priority,’ said Shay Little, Ph.D., vice president for Student Affairs.
Georgia Southern’s Public Health Administrator, Sean Bear, DrPH, emphasized the importance of this medication by stating, ‘Naloxone is a life-saving medication. It is safe, fast-acting, and easy to use.’
Although many students do not engage in substance use, the potential for opioid overdoses remains a critical concern. Misuse of prescribed medications or illegal opioids could lead to severe health risks. Commonly misused prescription opioids include codeine, morphine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone, and counterfeit pills often contain fentanyl, which is potent enough to cause overdoses.
‘The primary aim of distributing naloxone and providing education is to save lives,’ said Robert Bohler, Ph.D., a JPHCOPH assistant professor.
Accessible Resources Across Campus
Naloxone kits will be conveniently located in high-traffic areas such as the Campus Food Pantries, Health Centers, and Counseling Centers across both the Statesboro and Armstrong campuses. Moreover, all naloxone packages include detailed instructions, with additional educational resources provided at each distribution site.
‘All naloxone packages come with instructions. Additional educational content, including a video link on how to administer naloxone, will be available at distribution locations,’ noted Gemma Skuraton, DrPH, director of Student Wellness and Health Promotion.
Recognizing the importance of harm-reduction strategies, Georgia Southern University is fully committed to supporting naloxone accessibility and education. The initiative will feature educational sessions focused on overdose prevention and response strategies, aiming to empower students with the knowledge required to handle potential overdose situations.
Students can sign up for open workshops to learn more on the Student Wellness and Health Promotion page.
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