September 8, 2023
A new vending machine installed in the Oakland Center 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. The machine was installed in April and since that date there have already been approximately 205 Narcan doses accessed from the vending machine, which has the potential of saving 205 lives.
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.
A special ribbon cutting event will be held on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 1:30 p.m. to promote the Narcan vending machine and to show Oakland University’s commitment to success, growth, and overall well-being of its students, faculty, and staff. Light refreshments and beverages will be provided, along with remarks from Ann Rayford, director of the Graham Health Center, and Glenn McIntosh, senior vice president for student affairs and chief diversity officer.
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.
“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.
“We hope that his Narcan vending machine will also help destigmatize those struggling with substance abuse disorders,” Thompson added. “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 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."