Students for Sensible Drug Policy
Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention Education program (HOPE)
Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) is excited to announce the launch of our new Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention Education program, HOPE!
This initiative empowers individuals to: engage in safe substance use practices, educate their peers and communities on the importance of harm reduction, safely access and distribute life-saving resources like fentanyl test strips and naloxone, and advocate for policy changes that promote safety and reduce stigma around substance use.
By equipping students with the tools, knowledge, and skills to take action, this program aims to build safer, more informed campuses and communities nationwide.
This program consists of a self-paced app-based training on opioid overdose recognition, response, and prevention best practices, which should take roughly an hour to complete. Those who successfully complete the program are eligible to receive free HOPE Harm Reductions Kits from SSDP.
Start HOPE NOW
Everyone is eligible to participate in HOPE.
Download the SSDP Connect app in the Google Play or Apple Store.
Harm Reduction Kit Requests and Reporting
- After completing the training, you may request a harm reduction kit here for yourself or multiple kits to share with your communities.
- You may also receive replacements once you have used the kit’s supplies.
- We would also love to hear about any policy and/or education work you do after completing HOPE!
Opioid Overdose Recovery Guide
Check for Signs of Overdose
- Look for: unresponsiveness, slow/no breathing, slow/no pulse, blue/grey lips or nails, pinpoint pupils
- Try: shouting, pinching back of the arm, rubbing knuckles on the sternum
Administer Nasal Naloxone (3 mg)
- Position the person to be laying on their back
- Carefully remove naloxone from package, place the naloxone spray nozzle inside the nostril, and then press the plunger only when ready to release the medication
Contact Emergency Services
- An overdose is life-threatening and needs intervention
- Stigma may delay response. State the individual is not breathing or is unresponsive, then disclose full details about the overdose to the responder that arrives on site.
Facilitate Rescue Breathing
- Check that the airway is clear, tilt the head back, pinch the nose, and give one breath every 5 seconds until they breathe or help arrives
- Use CPR mask or shirt as a protective barrier if available
Observe & Move to Recovery position
- Use a second dose after 5 min if breathing is not restored
- Place in recovery position (on side) once breathing again
- Monitor for 90 min; overdose may reoccur as effects of naloxone wear off
This program was made possible thanks to our Corporate Partners:
