Student Health Services to hold life-saving event

November 04, 2024 - 09:26 AM

Approximately 220 people die every day from an opioid overdose, according to Mt. SAC’s Student Health Services.

With those sobering numbers in mind, Student Health Services will be presenting Save A Life! Protect Yourself, Your Friends, and Your Family, a drug overdose prevention event on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Building 410.

The event will offer live demonstrations on how to properly use Narcan and Fentanyl test strips, and students will have the opportunity for hands-on practice with the life-saving tools.

“We will educate students on how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and the critical actions to take to prevent overdose deaths,” Mt. SAC staff nurse Jo Anne Bermejo said. “Additionally, we will discuss the importance of testing certain drugs for fentanyl to ensure safety.”

Students will be able to take free Narcan and Fentanyl test strips, and will receive additional information on the free and low-cost services provided by the Student Health Services. 

Those services include:

• Basic Medical Care:  Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses and minor injuries, such as rashes, pink eye, strep throat, and sprained ankles. Prescriptions for some medications can be provided if needed.
• Preventive Care: Free or low-cost health screenings for diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, tuberculosis, reproductive health, such as testicular and breast exams, and well-woman exams, including pap smears.
• Confidential Sexual Health Services: Sexually transmitted infection testing, birth control pills, free condoms, and Plan B. A licensed medical provider is available to educate on birth control options and general health concerns for men’s and women’s health.
• Free and Confidential HIV Testing: Conducted by East Valley Community Health Center. Available on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Simple fingerstick test with results in one minute, and students will receive a $10 gift card after testing.
• Substance Addiction Support: Free Narcan nasal spray and Fentanyl test strips.

“Student Health Services believes in fostering a healthy campus environment, ultimately contributing to improved academic performance and personal development,” Bermejo said.

Student Health Services is located in Building 67B and can be reached at (909) 274-4400. For more information, visit https://www.mtsac.edu/healthcenter/.