Overdose prevention and response at TRU
Helping keep our campus community safe
In 2016, B.C.’s provincial health officer declared illicit drug overdose as a public health emergency under the Public Health Act with more than 18,000 overdose deaths occurring since then.
This site focuses specifically on preventing and responding to opioid overdose, including overdose involving fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that contributes largely to the increase in opioid overdoses across Canada. The signs of and response to overdose involving stimulants or other substances may be different.
TRU is committed to providing students, employees, and visitors with clear, reliable information about overdose prevention, emergency response, and available support.
Find the information you need below.
What to do if you think someone is experiencing an overdose.
Learn about overdose prevention and harm reduction.
Find TRU and community supports.
Access naloxone information, training and educational resources.
Respond to an emergency
If you think someone may be experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately.
An overdose is a medical emergency. Stay with the person and follow the 911 operator’s instructions. If naloxone is immediately available, administer it.
What to do
Click here for the SAVE ME protocol to save a life
- Call 911 immediately
- Follow the SAVE ME protocol
- Stay with the person
- If naloxone is immediately available, administer it
- After calling 911, contact TRU Campus Security at 250-828-5033
- Inform security you suspect an overdose
- Remember: Taking stimulants will not reverse an opioid overdose
Recognize the signs of an overdose
- Not moving and can’t be woken
- Slow, shallow breathing or not breathing
- Slow heartbeat
- Trouble walking or talking
- Blue lips and nails
- Person may be choking, making gurgling sounds or snoring
- Cold, clammy skin
- Pupils are tiny
Emergency contacts
- Call 911 for a suspected overdose or other medical emergency
- Notify TRU Campus Security: 250-828-5033
- Consider downloading the TRU SAFE app for quick access to 911 or security
Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act
You are protected when you call for help. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides legal protection from simple possession charges for the person experiencing an overdose and anyone at the scene who calls 911.
Stay safe
Overdose can happen to anyone. Knowing the risks and taking steps to reduce them can help keep you and others safer.
This page provides practical information about overdose prevention and harm reduction, including how to recognize risk, where to access naloxone and other ways to reduce the potential for harm.
Know the risks
Although other substances can cause an overdose, opioids are the leading cause of overdose deaths in Canada. Fentanyl is a very powerful opioid that is often found in unregulated drug supplies. It is cheaper than most substances, so it is often cut into unregulated drug supplies without the buyer's knowledge. Fentanyl is often present in opioid-type drugs, from pressed pills like oxycodone and Percocet to heroin, however, it can also be found in non-opioid drugs such as cocaine, MDMA or Meth.
Overdose prevention and harm reduction
- Avoid using substances alone
- Do not mix substances
- Start with a small amount and go slowly
- Test your supply
- Carry Naloxone and learn how to use it
- For safer drug use methods, visit Toward the Heart
Know the signs of an overdose
- Not moving and can’t be woken
- Slow, shallow breathing or not breathing
- Blue lips and nails
- Choking, making gurgling sounds or snoring
- Cold, clammy skin
- Pupils are tiny
Naloxone
Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It comes in an injectable and nasal format. It is safe to use naloxone, even if the overdose isn’t caused by an opioid. It is still important to receive training on how to administer naloxone. See Naloxone FAQs
Find naloxone on campus
Wellness Centre
The Wellness Centre is a home Naloxone (THN) site. You can come to Old Main (OM) 1479, be trained in naloxone administration in 15 min. and be provided with your own kit.
Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) locations
Naloxone is available at Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) locations across campus. Use the campus map below to find the AED and naloxone location nearest you.
Follow SAVE ME protocol if you need to administer naloxone
Residences
The front desk at each residence building holds naloxone kits, and they are stored at each AED site. Resident Advisors, Residence Life Coordinators and campus security are trained to respond to suspected overdose.
Review SAVE ME protocol to identify an overdose, respond and administer injectable or nasal Naloxone.
Get a take-home naloxone kit and training
The TRU Wellness Centre is a Take Home Naloxone (THN) site. Students can visit Old Main (OM) 1479 to receive free naloxone training and a THN kit. Training takes 15 to 20 minutes.
For off-campus training and kit locations, visit Toward the Heart.
Drug checking
Drug checking tests unregulated drugs to see what is in a substance to help people make informed decisions about use. Interior Health offers free, confidential drug checking services without requiring ID.
Learn about drug checking. Find a drug testing site. Many drug checking sites can provide fentanyl test strips and teach you how to use them.
Frequently asked questions
What is harm reduction?
Harm reduction focuses on reducing the risks associated with substance use without requiring abstinence. One example of a harm reduction practice is taking an Uber home instead of driving under the influence.
Does harm reduction encourage substance use?
No. Harm reduction recognizes that people use substances for many different reasons and focuses on keeping people safe.
Why is fentanyl a concern?
Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that is often found in unregulated drug supplies, sometimes without a person's knowledge. Very small amounts can cause an overdose.
How can I reduce my risk of overdose?
- Learn the signs of overdose
- Avoid using substances alone
- Do not mix substances
- Start with a small amount and go slowly.
- Test your supply
- Carry Naloxone and learn how to use it
Why is using alone more dangerous?
If an overdose occurs, you may lose consciousness and be unable to call for help. Having someone nearby can save a life
What is naloxone?
Naloxone is a medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. It is safe to use and can be lifesaving in an emergency. See Naloxone FAQs.
How do I get my own naloxone kit?
Stop by the Wellness Centre at OM 1476, be trained in how to use naloxone and receive your own kit. You can also visit Toward the Heart to find naloxone take-home sites off campus and access virtual training.
When should I be concerned about my substance use?
Start by asking if your substance use is causing you risks, harms or consequences that you are uncomfortable with. If the answer is “Yes” or “I don’t know”, it may be time to assess your relationship with substances further. See “Find help” for information on who to talk to.
What are some signs my substance use is affecting my wellbeing?
- Using more often or more than intended
- Difficulty cutting back when you try
- Taking risks such as impaired driving or unsafe sex
- Using substances to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma or insomnia
- Friends or family have expressed concern
- Experienced an overdose, blackout or other frightening event
What do I do if I am worried about a friend or family member?
Approach them with empathy and concern rather than judgment. Focus on safety, listen empathetically and encourage them to access support if they're interested. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has resources for family and friends who want to support someone struggling with substance use.
You can also book an appointment with a campus counsellor to help.
How are mental health and substance use connected?
Substances can affect mood, thinking and stress management. While some may provide temporary relief, they can also worsen anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns over time.
Find help
Whether you are looking for help for yourself or are concerned about someone else, TRU and community services can connect you with information, care and support.
There is also support for people who are only questioning their substance use or are looking to reduce rather than abstain from substance use.
Need immediate help?
If someone may be experiencing an overdose or another medical emergency, call 911.
Support for me at TRU
- Campus Security - Can provide first aid and naloxone administration until emergency medical services (EMS) arrives. Give the security officer your name, contact information and exact location when calling. In an emergency, always call 911 before contacting security.
- Counselling Services – Counselling can help you better understand the role substances play in your life, address underlying concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression or trauma, and develop healthier coping strategies. You can work toward goals related to safer use, reducing use or abstinence. You can also get help supporting someone you care about who is struggling with substance use.
- Cplul’kw’ten (The Gathering Place) - Cplul’kw’ten supports Indigenous students' academic success, wellbeing, cultural connection, connection with elders and sense of belonging
- Gender and Sexual Diversity Safety - 2SLGBTQPIA+ individuals can connect with the Manager of Gender and Sexual Diversity as an access point to safely connect with resources on or off campus.
- Medical Clinic - The TRU Medical Clinic services registered students who require medical support during their studies in Kamloops. The clinic provides a full range of medical services.
- Student Case Managers- A case manager can help you access support on campus or access community resources, treatment programs or medical support. They can also help minimize the impact that getting help may have on your academics.
- TRU SAFE App- Provides in-real-time information on safety, security and emergency situations. It is TRU’s official platform for emergency notifications and can be used to easily contact EMS or security without dialing.
- Wellness Centre - The Wellness Centre promotes the physical, emotional, social, intellectual, occupational and spiritual well-being of TRU students and employees by providing health education and promotion activities, services and programs. The center provides harm reduction information and naloxone training and take-home kits.
Support for a friend
If you’re concerned about a friend or someone you know, you don’t have to manage the situation on your own. You can offer support, share information and help connect them with appropriate services.
How to support someone
- Choose a private, comfortable time to talk
- Listen without judgment and let them know you’re concerned
- Ask what kind of support would be helpful
- Respect their choices while continuing to offer support
- Remember to look after your own well-being, too
Warning signs
You may notice changes that make you concerned about someone’s substance use or well-being. While these signs do not necessarily mean someone is using substances or experiencing a problem, they may indicate that they could use support.
How to connect someone with help
- Offer to help them find TRU or community support and services
- Ask if they would like you to go with them or help make the first contact
- If you think they may be experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately and follow the steps under Respond to an emergency
Community supports
- Interior Health resources – 310-MHSU (6478): connects you to all interior health mental health and substance use services
Crisis supports
- Interior Crisis Line - 1-888-353-2273: Links five community partner agencies to provide 24/7 crisis support across BC’s Interior Health Region
- Kids Help Phone - 1-800-668-6868: Canada’s national 24/7 mental health and crisis services for children, youth and young adults
- KUU-US (Indigenous) Crisis Line - 1-800-638-4722: BC-wide Indigenous crisis line
- Métis Crisis Line - 1-833-638-4722: culturally responsive support, including crisis intervention, risk assessment, safety monitoring and connections to local Métis services
Community organizations
- Alcoholics Anonymous – Abstinence-based 12-step programs for recovery from alcoholism
- BGC Kamloops - 250-554-5437: Youth (11-24) drop in, outreach and harm reduction program to lessen harms associated with substance use, food insecurity, housing, unsafe sex, etc.
- ASK Wellness Society - 250-373-7558: Outreach, harm reduction supplies, housing, naloxone training, employment services and drug checking
- Blue House Recovery - 250-299-8188: Services for people 18+ seeking to abstain from drugs and/or alcohol, including housing and 12-step programming, with fees applying
- Day One Society - 250-374-4634: Detox services, youth (under 25), alcohol and drug counselling support to families, supportive transitional living in recovery
- Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society - 250-376-1296: Culturally appropriate programs and services to meet the needs of urban Indigenous people
- The Tree - 250-377-6890: Non-profit supporting women and families with substance use through peer mentorship, counselling, healthy pregnancy care, recovery support groups, drop in services and food and clothing assistance
- Mustard Seed Men’s Recovery Program - 778-765-4580: One-year supportive program/ housing for reintegration into community for men 19+, smart recovery, housing, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous
- Naloxone training is offered through the Wellness Centre and Toward the Heart
- Opioid overdose response guide
- Substance drug checking is available to help you check for toxic elements in your substances
- Toward the Heart provides links to safe injection resources, overdose support groups, naloxone training, toxic drug alerts and more
- HereToHelp has activities to help you think about your own substance use
- Substance Use Blood Alcohol Calculator is a tool to help you anticipate your blood alcohol content over the time you expect to drink
- Check Your Drinking helps users get a full picture of their alcohol consumption
- Help Starts Here is a mental health and addictions resource hub from the government of BC
Training and resources
Build your knowledge and confidence with training, tools and reliable information about substance use, harm reduction and overdose prevention.
Overdose prevention and response
Knowing what to look for and what to do can make a difference in an emergency. Learn how to recognize an overdose, respond safely, use naloxone and get help.
Naloxone
Learn what naloxone is, how it works, where to find it on campus and how to use it in an emergency.
Training
Find overdose response, naloxone and harm reduction training available to TRU students and employees.
Guides and educational materials
Access downloadable and online resources about overdose prevention, emergency response and harm reduction.
