85,000 people died of drug overdoses in 2024. This incredibly explorative time sometimes lacks safe drug practices and sensible decision making which can lead students down unsafe paths. So, how does one avoid being in that situation in the first place? Besides the obvious solution of avoiding illicit drugs, Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS) exist to make sure people can avoid emergency scenarios altogether. Narcan, an overdose prevention nasal spray, is an important preventative, yet it only works after the damage has been done. FTS are inexpensive strips of paper that can detect traces of fentanyl in several types of commonly used illicit drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, etc. As of today, Bloomsburg University does not supply FTS on campus but students can take matters into their own hands. Available online, a box of FTS can be purchased on various websites like Amazon or CVS. The Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association says one strip has a 96-100% detection success rate when used properly. Please note, however, FTS are not able to measure the quantity or potency of fentanyl nor are they always able to detect low traces of fentanyl. Despite this, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Those who may be unwilling to practice preventative measures should know that a $10 box of test strips pales in comparison to the price of losing your life. It’s your choice of what you would prefer to pay. People take chances everyday but risking an accidental fentanyl overdose is never worth it. As much as two milligrams of fentanyl can kill the average sized adult. Don’t let yourself or someone else become another drug overdose statistic. 

Despite the issue that fentanyl test strips are not distributed by the university, students can still practice harm reduction on and off campus. Regardless if you participate in the use of drugs or not, staying proactive can prevent one fun night gone wrong from being someone’s last. You can be part of the solution by educating yourself about the available overdose prevention resources on Bloomsburg’s campus. Narcan is used in emergency scenarios to block the effects of opiates in the brain when a person has overdosed. 

How to use Narcan Photo Credit: Bloomsburg Health ServicesAfter administering Narcan, do not leave the person alone, and stay with them until emergency services arrive. Do not be afraid to call 911. Under the Pennsylvania Medical Amnesty Law, civilians responding reasonably to an emergency situation, including drug overdoses, are protected from prosecution for underage drinking or drug possession when attempting to help someone in danger. According to Bloomsburg’s Health Services, a person is protected by this law if the situation satisfies the following four conditions: 

1. If you call 911 in good faith and…
2. Reasonably believe you are the first to call emergency services 
3. Give your name and location
4. Stay with the person to prevent that person’s death or serious injury, both you as the caller and the person needing medical attention are immune from prosecution for consumption or possession of alcohol and/or drugs.

People should also note that if emergency services are called for medical assistance as a result of hazing, and that’s how law enforcement finds out about the hazing, both the student who calls for help, as well as the one who needs medical assistance, will be immune from charges for hazing if the four conditions above are met. The guilt of knowing you could have saved someone’s life will outweigh any fear of getting in trouble when an emergency is happening. Let’s all look out for one another and take better precaution when taking part in risky activity.