Overdose Prevention and Response at SFU

Help is available

The toxic drug crisis continues to affect communities across British Columbia, including post-secondary campuses. Whether or not you use substances, learning about overdose prevention, harm reduction and available supports can help create a safer campus community.

At SFU, safety is a shared responsibility. Looking out for one another, reducing stigma and connecting people with support can help prevent a situation from becoming a crisis.

If you're concerned about someone, check in and help connect them with support.

Students

• Overdose Prevention & Response (Student Services Health & Counselling)
• Health and Counselling Services: Free mental health counselling services for SFU and FIC students
• My SSP: Free 24/7 mental health support for all SFU and FIC students.
• Alcoholics Anonymous: The SFU Multifaith Centre hosts weekly AA meetings, open to all students, staff, and faculty, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, income or profession 

Faculty & staff

• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): Mental health and counselling services for eligible SFU employees
• Supporting Students resources 

Community supports

• Call 8-1-1 Free 24/7 health information and navigation support from registered health professionals.
• Alcohol and Drug Information & Referral Service: Individual, family, and small group counselling for people of all ages who are affected by alcohol and other drug use. Call the 24-hour BC Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service toll-free from anywhere in B.C. at 1-800-663-1441 or from the Lower Mainland at 1-604-660-9382.
• BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services: Listing of substance use and mental health services for children, adolescents and adults across B.C.
• Here to Help: Information related to substance use and mental health, including personal stories, self-help resources and information about getting help
• Respond to Overdose – Provincial overdose prevention and response information, including overdose signs and response steps.
• Harm Reduction Services BCCDC - Information about harm reduction resources and programs in B.C.
• Understanding Harm Reduction – Substance Use Learn about harm reduction approaches and how they help reduce the risk of substance-related harms.

Slow or no breathing

This means less than 1 breath every 5 seconds

Not moving or unresponsive

The person isn't moving and can't be woken up

Choking sounds

This person is making unusual sounds, like choking, gurgling, gasping or heavy snoring

Tiny pupils

The person's pupils look tiny

Blue or grey lips

This person's fingernails or lips are turning blue, grey or purple

Cold or clammy

The person's skin feels cold and clammy to the touch

1. Call 911, then call Campus Public Safety

• Burnaby: 778.782.4500
• Surrey: 778.782.7070
• Vancouver: 778.782.5029

Campus Public Safety (CPS) team members will be immediately dispatched to provide first aid support and will escort emergency responders to your exact location.

2. Give naloxone

Naloxone is safe to use and can temporarily reverse the effects of opioids.

Give naloxone following the SAVE ME steps (see this video) or follow instructions provided by 911 and those found in the naloxone kit.

3. Stay with the person

Remain with the person until help arrives.

If you must leave, place them in the recovery position (on their side) to help keep their airway open.

Naloxone kits, which consists of nasal naloxone and instructions, are available across all three SFU campuses. 

All Campus Public Safety responders on SFU's three campuses also carry doses of nasal naloxone, are first aid certified and trained to administer naloxone.

Use the SFU Safe app to

• Locate naloxone kits
• Locate AEDs
• Access emergency procedures
• Contact emergency resources

Naloxone training

Learn about available naloxone and emergency preparedness training opportunities through Safety & Risk Services workshops throughout the year. 

You can also access free online naloxone training through 

• Toward the Heart: Online Naloxone Training – Free online overdose response and naloxone training.

Learn more about naloxone

• Take Home Naloxone Program – Learn about BC's take-home naloxone program.
• Find a Naloxone Kit – Locate take-home naloxone sites in your community.
• Toxic Drug Supply Alerts – Current toxic drug alerts and advisories for B.C.
• Fraser Health: Naloxone Information – Information about naloxone, overdose response and local resources.
• Respond to Overdose – Provincial information on overdose prevention, response and Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protections.

Under the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, you're protected when calling 911 during an overdose even if you're using substances or are with someone who is. 

Your safety, and the safety of others, is the priority.

Visit SFU’s Community Supports resources for more information about your rights on campus.