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92 <br /> Understanding Issues Affecting People Who Use Drugs <br /> Student Wellness approaches opioid harm reduction with a clear understanding of the <br /> structural and developmental factors affecting people who use drugs. College students may <br /> face: <br /> • High-risk polysubstance environments <br /> • Stigma associated with carrying naloxone <br /> • Fear of disciplinary consequences <br /> • Limited awareness of fentanyl contamination <br /> • Mental health challenges <br /> • Transition stressors (first-generation, rural, and transfer students) <br /> We recognize that punitive-only responses are ineffective. Effective overdose prevention <br /> requires normalization of harm reduction tools, stigma reduction, and accessible support <br /> pathways. <br /> Our "party pack" initiative, developed with the Campus & Community Coalition (CCC) and the <br /> Office for Off-Campus Life, reflects this approach. Students who voluntarily register off-campus <br /> gatherings receive kits containing naloxone, fentanyl and xylazine test strips, DisposeRx packets, <br /> and educational materials. This initiative: <br /> • Places harm reduction tools in high-risk settings <br /> • Reduces stigma around carrying naloxone <br /> • Encourages proactive safety planning <br /> • Strengthens student—law enforcement collaboration <br /> This model acknowledges real-world substance use contexts while promoting safety and dignity. <br /> Culturally Humble and Dignity-Centered Practice <br /> Student Wellness staff are trained in culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches <br /> grounded in client self-determination and nonjudgmental engagement. <br /> We serve a diverse campus population, including: <br /> Students: <br /> • First-generation college students <br /> • Students from rural NC communities disproportionately impacted by opioid use <br /> • Students of color <br /> • LGBTQ+ students <br /> • Students with prior justice system involvement <br /> • Students experiencing housing instability <br /> • Students in recovery <br /> Faculty/Staff/Alumni/Visitors: <br /> • Individuals with diverse identities and lived experiences <br /> • Campus employees who regularly access naloxone resources <br /> Our messaging avoids moral framing and emphasizes safety, compassion, and shared <br /> responsibility. Naloxone education affirms that carrying Narcan is an act of care, not an <br /> admission of personal drug use. <br /> 8 <br />