Fentanyl and other Opioids are powering the most merciless substance calamity in history. Oregon, like the rest of the US, is experiencing an opioid epidemic, involving misuse, abuse, overdose and death. This crisis involves both prescription opioid pain medications, as well as illicit opioids such as heroin and non-pharmaceutical fentanyl. The risk of opioid addiction is greater for youth in their teens and early 20’s. In an effort to lead the path toward rebuilding trust in Public Health and Science within college students, it is essential to offer overdose and recovery education.

A brief assessment was implemented with a sample of university students at the conclusion of an educational workshop, “Overcoming Overdose at OSU” (n=455). Participants were recruited through social media posts and poster distribution throughout campus. The workshop was offered three times (once per term) during the 2023-2024 academic year and was inclusive of a free kit of Narcan for all attendees. The sample of students identified as male 50% and 49% female (1% self-identified with pronouns). The majority of students were ages 18-20 (n=333, 73%), living in residence halls or Greek housing (65%) and identify as white (n=385, 85%). Results demonstrate that at the conclusion of the intervention the majority of students (n=370, 81%) possess knowledge about risks associated with opioids or fentanyl, and a large portion gained knowledge about naloxone and overdose recovery methods (n=383, 85%).

Subsequently, the pilot study revealed that students believe their most trustworthy source to receive education about preventing harmful effects of opioid misuse are health agencies like the campus student health services, CDC, county health department and Oregon Health Authority (76%). Moreover, the majority of the sample reported that they would be interested in having naloxone accessible within locations on campus (n=435, 96%).

In essence, the findings demonstrate a desire for enhanced opioid and overdose recovery education. The data suggests that we must reduce the burden of opioid misuse and abuse through increasing access to naloxone on campus. Oregon’s ongoing efforts to address the opioid epidemic through direct, comprehensive interventions must be inclusive of our youth as we navigate towards Rebuilding Trust in Public Health and Science for college students who are at-risk for opioid misuse.