WSC - Williston State College
03/04/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 03/04/2024 00:03
WILLISTON STATE COLLEGE PARTNERS WITH NDUS AND BETHEONE INITIATIVE TO SUPPLY NALOXONE RESCUE KITS ON CAMPUS
WILLISTON, N.D. - Williston State College (WSC) is proud to announce its partnership with the BetheONE initiative, a groundbreaking effort across the North Dakota University System (NDUS) to combat opioid overdoses by supplying Naloxone (Narcan) rescue kits on campus. As part of this initiative, WSC will be distributing BetheONE boxes equipped with Naloxone rescue kits to key locations on campus.
The BetheONE initiative aims to raise awareness about opioid overdoses and empower individuals to act in life-threatening situations. Naloxone is a medication used to rapidly reverse opioid overdose and can be administered via injection or nasal spray. By providing these rescue kits on campus, WSC is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff.
"The opioid epidemic has had a devastating impact on families and individuals across the country and within the state of North Dakota," says LeeAnn Clark, Health and Wellness Coordinator and BetheOne Box project lead at Williston State College. "The BetheONE team at NDSU has been instrumental in opioid harm reduction and misuse education, promoting collaboration in opioid service provision, and distributing life-saving naloxone kits in communities and campuses throughout our state. Their tireless effort has had a significant influence on the work needed to combat this crisis and has been crucial in saving lives. Williston State College is deeply committed to supporting and advocating for the health and well-being of not only our campus, but to the larger Williston community as well. We all have a role to play in addressing this public health crisis and we all can make a difference."
The BetheONE boxes will be strategically placed in easily accessible locations across the WSC campus, including academic buildings, residence halls, and administrative offices. Additionally, training sessions on recognizing the signs of opioid overdose and administering Naloxone will be offered to interested individuals to ensure they are prepared to respond effectively in emergency situations.
""Ensuring the safety and well-being of our campus community is my top priority," says Megan Kasner, Vice President of Student Affairs for Williston State College. "With the installation of Narcan boxes around campus, we're taking proactive steps to protect each individual's health. These boxes serve as a reminder of our commitment to supporting one another in times of crisis, emphasizing that every member of our community deserves access to life-saving resources. Together, we're fostering an environment where safety and health are paramount, and where each person feels valued and supported."
WSC encourages all members of the campus community to familiarize themselves with the locations of the BetheONE boxes and to participate in the training sessions. By working together and taking proactive measures, WSC aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.