Naloxone Program

Below are resources for using Naloxone (also known as Narcan) for opioid overdoses on the A-State Campus.

What is Medical Amnesty: it is protection(s) given from certain punishment(s) if an individual reports a medical emergency or otherwise takes steps to request aid in a medical emergency for oneself or for another. A-State has a Medical Amnesty Policy, and the State of Arkansas also has a law specific to medical amnesty in the event of an overdose. Read more below.

What is Naloxone (Narcan): it is the medicine given to reverse the effects of opiates.

How does Naloxone (Narcan) work? It works by kicking an opiate out of the brain's receptor, preventing the opiate from continuing to have an effect on the brain. While it is very effective in stopping an overdose, it can only last for a short period of time before the opiate overtakes the receptor again. Because of this, it is extremely important that emergency services be activated even if naloxone has been administered and is effective.