Emporia State Associated Student Government and The Honors College held their second annual Naloxone training on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 5:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Preston Room. ASG’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee organized the event, bringing a speaker and trainer from the Kansas-based nonprofit organization Developing Caring Communities Committed to Action (DCCCA).

“(Naloxone) is the new CPR, unfortunately,” said Ahmad Zeeshaan, ASG Senator for the School of Science and Mathematics and Vice Chair of the DEI Committee. Naloxone, often known by the brand name Narcan, is a life-saving medicine administered in cases of opioid overdose. “Therefore, we need to know how to administer it in opioid overdoses in every setting.”

The DCCCA Wichita speaker and trainer, Arielle Kelley, taught attendees about the state and nationwide opioid crisis and prevention measures. Attendees also learned how to correctly preserve, store and administer Naloxone, with the opportunity to earn an e-certification.

“Arielle introduced herself. She had a slideshow, just basically everything,” said Zeeshaan. “Then later on in the slideshow, she got to Naloxone, how to administer it– you have to peel it and everything. And then she started talking about how to preserve it, how to store it … and then she also had a couple of packets (of Naloxone), so I know there are some students that went up to go look at it in person.”

Zeeshaan notes that multiple ASG members were pivotal in organizing the event. He specifically thanked DEI Committee Chair Vishvani Paranavithana, ASG President Aswad Arif, ASG Vice President Piper Glidewell, President of the Student Honors Council Camila Viorel, and ASG Public Relations Director Beyonce Tate. Zeeshaan estimates that roughly 70 students, faculty, and staff attended the training either online or in person. 

“It’s meaningful, … but it’s a touchy subject,” said Zeeshaan, “so it was just amazing seeing everyone there, and the fact that there were so many people who came up and asked (Kelley) questions. There were people taking pictures with her. It just really warmed our hearts.”

The DCCCA’s Kansas Naloxone Program was offered to ESU for free, as it is free to any community organization or Kansas resident. The DCCCA offers naloxone training online or in person in different settings based on group size and type. Individuals can watch self-paced videos, while larger groups can attend webinars or request training. Information about naloxone training and DCCCA’s other resources can be found atdccca.org.