Overdose Response Training & Resources
Learn how to identify an overdose, respond when someone needs help, and administer nasal naloxone.
You can help make your communities safer. Overdose Response Training includes an overview of important information about overdoses and how to respond.
In an Overdose Response Training, you will learn:
- The basics of opioids, naloxone, and overdose
- How to identify an overdose
- Steps to respond when someone needs help
- How to administer nasal naloxone
This training is facilitated by Boston Public Health Commission, with tailored information about the BU community facilitated by BU Student Health Services – including the Good Samaritan Policy, accessing naloxone with BU SHIP or employee insurance plans, and BU resources for support.
Participants at in-person trainings can access free safer substance use supplies (including naloxone) at the end of the training.
Open to all BU students, faculty, and staff. Please register with your BU email address.
Fall 2026 training dates
In-person trainings
- September 15 from 3:00 – 4:00pm in Mugar Memorial Library, Room 205
- September 17 from 4:00 – 5:00pm in the College of General Studies (CGS), Room 527
- October 21 from 3:00 – 4:00pm in Questrom, Room 220
- November 20 from 3:00 – 4:00pm in Computing & Data Sciences (CDS), Room B62
Register
Virtual trainings
- September 22 from 12:00 – 1:00pm
- October 22 from 3:00 – 4:00pm
- November 10 from 12:00 – 1:00pm
FAQs
Where can I get naloxone?
In Massachusetts, pharmacies are required to have naloxone available and will provide naloxone without a prescription.
Certain brands of naloxone nasal spray have been approved for over-the-counter (OTC) distribution in the United States. OTC naloxone will make naloxone available to purchase in locations beyond pharmacies, such as gas stations and convenience stores.
Naloxone nasal sprays are identical when accessed either OTC or without a prescription. Other doses and variations of naloxone will continue to be available by prescription only.
Pharmacies close to campus include:
- đź“ŤCVS Pharmacy, 900 Commonwealth Ave. (Charles River Campus)
- đź“ŤBMC Pharmacy at Shapiro, 725 Albany St. (Medical Campus)
- đź“ŤCVS Pharmacy, within Target, 1341 Boylston St. (Fenway Campus)
How much does naloxone cost?
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
Students who have SHIP can access generic naloxone for free (no copay at the pharmacy). To verify this information yourself, Call Member Services at 800-966-7772 or send a message through Aetna’s online portal.
BU Health Plan
Faculty and staff who have any BU Health Plan can access naloxone for free (no copay at the pharmacy). (Confirmed with Human Resources, OptumRX, September 2023). To verify this information yourself, call OptumRX at 1-888-863-8578.
Other Health Insurance
Other insurance providers may cover the full cost of Naloxone. (such as MassHealth). Learn more about how your health insurance covers naloxone by reaching out to Member Services about your benefits.
Without insurance, at a pharmacy
Without insurance, Naloxone kits can cost $30 – $50 (cost can vary) for two doses/one box of generic naloxone.
Locations
Pharmacies close to campus include:
- đź“ŤCVS Pharmacy, 900 Commonwealth Ave. (Charles River Campus)
- đź“ŤBMC Pharmacy at Shapiro, 725 Albany St. (Medical Campus)
- đź“ŤCVS Pharmacy, within Target, 1341 Boylston St. (Fenway Campus)
If I respond to an overdose, will I get myself or the other person in trouble?
BU wants students to call for help in case of an alcohol or drug emergency. The Good Samaritan Policy aims to make it easier for BU students to call for help.
BU Good Samaritan Policy: “When a BU student seeks help for themselves or others who’ve used alcohol or drugs, neither student will receive a sanction for alcohol or drug use, as long as they complete an educational or counseling program on campus.”
Learn more about the BU Good Samaritan Policy.
What BU resources can help someone who’s struggling with opioids or another substance?
If you or someone you know is struggling or looking to make a change with substance use, there are BU resources available to support.
Mental health support at SHS
Connect with a confidential mental health provider to talk through what’s going on and options for next steps. Learn more about how to schedule an appointment.
Recovery support
The BU Recovery Community is a welcoming community of BU students in recovery from substance use. BURC is here for you – whether you’re in long-term recovery or are just starting your recovery journey. Learn more about the BU Recovery Community and other recovery support resources.
Faculty & staff support
The BU Faculty & Staff Assistance Office provides free and confidential short-term counseling, referrals for mental health and substance use treatment, referrals to community resources, and more for BU faculty and staff.
How can I help someone else who’s struggling with substance use?