TO: USC Community
FR: John Thomas, Chief, USC Department of Public Safety
Sarah Van Orman, Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health
RE: Opioids and Naloxone
DT: November 14, 2019
We are reaching out to you to raise awareness about the risks posed by drug use, in particular, opioids. Drugs in this category include the prescription medications oxycodone, percocet, vicodin, morphine, fentanyl, among others, as well as heroin.
In addition to the direct effects of each substance, drugs shared for recreational use can be tainted or mixed with other substances to increase its effects, sometimes without a user’s knowledge. This practice is rising and is linked to overdose and deaths.
- Treatment is effective and available for substance abuse. Talk to your medical or mental health care provider to discuss a treatment plan.
- Naloxone (nasal spray Narcan) can reverse the effects of an accidental overdose. Any physician in California can prescribe it to anyone at risk of overdose. Naloxone is also available by pharmacist consultation and can be filled at USC Pharmacies on campus.
Contact USC Student Health at 213-740-9355 (WELL) for medical care, prescriptions and to reach a counselor. If you are concerned about a fellow student, please contact Trojans Care for Trojans so we may reach out directly with support and intervention. Emergency response to drug overdose can by activated by calling the USC Department of Public Safety (213-740-4321 at UPC, 323-442-1000 at HSC) or by calling 911 if outside of USC campus areas.