April 18, 2023
Instead of offering snacks or beverages, a new vending machine on the campus of Oakland University will dispense free packets of Narcan (naloxone), a life-saving medication for those who are struggling with dependency issues.
“There is a common misconception that Narcan vending machines are promoting drug use, which is completely false,” said Oakland University Police Lt. Nicole Thompson. “Many people are silently struggling with substance abuse disorders, and you may not even know it, so why not provide a resource that can save their lives until they are ready to accept and receive help.”
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The new vending machine is located in the West end of the Oakland Center near the Welcome Desk in the hallway heading toward the Pioneer Food Court and the Bistro.
“We hope that his Narcan vending machine will also help destigmatize those struggling with substance abuse disorders,” Thompson said. “There is an opioid epidemic occurring right now. Removing another barrier to accessing this life-saving drug allows us to expand access and save lives as we work to combat the opioids crisis in our state.”
The installation of the new Narcan vending machine is the result of a collaboration between the Oakland County Health Division and a committee made up of representatives from the Office of the Dean of Students, , Environmental Health and Safety, the Graham Health Center, and the Oakland University Police Department.
“The Narcan vending machine is another resource and tool on campus that complements our newly developed ‘Hope Not Handcuffs’ program and our new Collegiate Recovery Coordinator position that was recently created at OU,” Thompson said. “All these programs and resources are here to equip our students, faculty and staff with the tools they need to make that next step into recovery.”