Dorms at New York Public Colleges Now Required to Have Narcan

All student housing at New York’s public colleges and universities must now carry medicine to combat opioid overdoses.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation requiring that all State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) student housing carry Narcan, a brand name for naloxone, a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose.

“By signing this legislation, lifesaving overdose prevention medicine will be required in SUNY and CUNY campus housing, as well as trained staff on-site — leading to faster response times and helping prevent needless tragedies,” Hochul said.

Dorm resident assistants (RAs) will be trained along with other designated employees.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, naloxone is a temporary treatment. It is crucial to call 911 to receive immediate medical attention and observe the person for abnormal breathing until medical help arrives.

Hochul signed the legislation during Red Ribbon Week, the largest drug-misuse prevention campaign in the U.S.

According to Hochul’s office, New York had over 2,939 fatal overdoses in 2019, and the risk of overdose deaths is high among every New York demographic group and neighborhood.

“Every second counts during an opioid overdose, and by requiring Narcan in all SUNY and CUNY housing, with trained student RAs on standby, we will save more young lives and transform on-campus safety,” said state Sen. Michelle Hinchey, who sponsored the legislation.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a similar law in August to require Narcan in campus health clinics across state public colleges and universities.