The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) is launching its first wellness series with a vital opioid and overdose prevention session, scheduled for Tuesday. This event is part of the ‘Well Informed: A UT System Hybrid Wellness Series,’ aimed at educating students on preventing and managing emergencies related to opioid usage, while raising awareness about substance abuse on campus.
Megan McKnight, director of UTC’s Center for Wellbeing, highlighted the university’s dedication to student safety and education regarding addiction risks. “We’re moving into understanding substance use on our campuses and what we are doing to ensure student safety,” McKnight stated, reinforcing the importance of addressing these issues even though overall drug use remains low.
A notable concern is the potential for students to unknowingly ingest drugs containing opioids, particularly fentanyl, a potent and dangerous substance. McKnight stressed, “If our students are using a substance, we want to ensure they are safe and informed about the risks of fentanyl.”
Opioid-related fatalities in the area have shown improvement, with a nearly 29% reduction in fatal overdoses in early 2024 compared to 2022, according to Hamilton County Government data. McKnight attributes the positive shift to the increased availability of Narcan, a medication that can counteract opioid overdoses, adding, “It’s quick and easy to use and won’t harm someone who isn’t overdosing.”
The Tuesday session will include Narcan distribution and essential information about UTC’s variety of support resources for students facing addiction, like the Mocs Recovery Program. This programme allows students to connect with peers either choosing abstinence or seeking to modify their habits for better health.
The Opioids and Overdose Prevention session runs from 9:00am to 1:45pm, and participants can also access the sessions online to further explore the Eight Dimensions of Wellness.
UTC hosts its first wellness event on opioid and overdose prevention, educating students on risks and responses. Led by Megan McKnight, the session addresses the dangers of opioid use, highlights the need for awareness about fentanyl, and showcases resources like Narcan and the Mocs Recovery Program to support students.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is taking a strong stand on student health with its inaugural wellness series, focusing on opioid and overdose prevention. By informing students about the dangers of substance use and providing lifesaving resources, UTC aims to foster a safer campus environment. This proactive approach, coupled with declining opioid-related fatalities, underscores the importance of such educational initiatives.
Original Source: www.local3news.com
