The Multicultural Student Nurses Association (MSNA) hosted a Narcan training Tuesday, Sept. 26.  The training was given by professionals from the Marquette County Health Department at 7 p.m. in The Science Building.

Narcan is a brand of naloxone which is a nasal spray that can treat an opioid overdose. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Narcan is an opioid antagonist that attaches itself to opioid receptors and reverses the effects of opioids.

Narcan is often provided for emergency situations but there is not always education on administering it, said Micah Benjamin, MSNA president and nursing major.

“I thought it was really important to be provided Narcan, but also have the provided resources regarding how to administer Narcan and understand how to effectively seek emergency response in an overdose or a crisis situation where an individual needs Narcan,” Benjamin said.

Trainings like this are important for individuals, Benjamin said. Especially those in more urban environments, who may be more likely to be in a crisis situation.

“We are thankful to live in an area where we don’t really see many college students going through crisis situations like this, but in a bigger city environment it’s important to understand the education and how to seek out emergency response,” Benjamin said. 

The training also provided skills other than administering Narcan.

“It provides you with leadership abilities and it increases educational competency,” Benjamin said. “It decreases biases within individuals who are going through these crisis situations, and it gives them an increase in understanding regarding an overdose crisis.” 

Another Narcan training is scheduled for Oct. 12 as a Skill Builder with the Student Leader Fellowship Program.