Opiate Prevention, Naloxone Access, and Safe Disposal
The University of Minnesota Crookston takes a proactive, student-centered approach to opioid prevention, harm reduction, and campus safety. UMN Crookston ensures fast access to life-saving emergency naloxone (Narcan), provides hands-on overdose recognition training for student leaders and campus groups, and equips students with free tools for secure medication storage and safe disposal. These resources and initiatives are made possible thanks in part to funding from the Supporting Golden Eagle Wellbeing grant provided by the Polk County Opioid Settlement Advisory Council.
Emergency Response
Emergency Naloxone Access and Personal Supplies
University of Minnesota Crookston supplies emergency naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray kits across campus and provides free supplies to students. Naloxone is a safe, easy-to- use nasal spray that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose and save a life.
- Campus Emergency Kits (ONEbox): Look for wall-mounted ONEbox kits next to AEDs in all residence hall lobbies.
- Public Safety Team: Campus Public Safety officers carry two doses of naloxone with them at all times.
- Free Supply for Students: Stop by Health Services anytime to grab your own free, over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray—no questions asked.
Watch: Why Naloxone Matters and How the ONEbox Works
In an emergency, every second counts. Watch this brief video to see why naloxone access is vital for our community and get an overview of how the wall-mounted ONEbox operates—including its built-in video screen that guides you step-by-step through an emergency.
Medication Storage and Disposal
Secure, Dispose, Save Lives (Free Lock Boxes and Disposal)
Keeping your prescription medications secure—and properly throwing away what you don't need—helps keep our campus and community safe. Through our Secure, Dispose, Save Lives program, you can grab free supplies right on campus.
| Resource | How it Helps You | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Free Lock Boxes | Grab a free lock box to keep your personal prescription meds safe and secure in your room. | Pick up at Health Services and Counseling Services |
| DisposeRx Pouches | Pour the powder into your pill bottle, add warm water, shake, and throw it in the regular trash. It neutralizes pills and liquids safely! | Available at Health Services and Counseling Services |
| Prescription Drop Boxes | Drop off unwanted or expired meds in secure, anonymous drop boxes off campus. | Located at Riverview Health and Polk County Sheriff's Office |
Prevention and Training
Prevention and Overdose Response Training
Want to learn how to keep your friends and community safe? The Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention team offers quick, practical training for students, teams, student orgs, and campus groups.
- Spot the Signs: Learn how to recognize an opioid emergency and act fast.
- Hands-On Practice: Get comfortable using naloxone nasal spray step-by-step.
- Book a Workshop: Reach out to the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention office to set up a short training session for your group or floor.
Annual Student Leader Training: Each year, our team trains campus student leaders (including Community Advisers, student organization officers, and student leaders across campus) on how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and respond quickly in an emergency.