Empowering students with safe, reliable drug use resources for a supportive and informed campus community

Safer Use strives to create a campus environment where students can access safe and reliable drug use resources, feel supported and secure, and live their lives freely.  Your student union strives to normalize conversations around drug use and raise awareness about contaminated supplies, fostering a compassionate and informed community.

Empowering students with safe, reliable drug use resources for a supportive and informed campus community

Safer Use strives to create a campus environment where students can access safe and reliable drug use resources, feel supported and secure, and live their lives freely.  Your student union strives to normalize conversations around drug use and raise awareness about contaminated supplies, fostering a compassionate and informed community.

Your student union promotes Harm reduction

Harm reduction refers to any action aimed at minimizing substance related harm which can be related to health, social, and legal impacts. Harm reduction prioritises social justice, human rights, autonomy, respect, and compassion over judgement and punishment.

Your student union promotes Harm reduction

Harm reduction refers to any action aimed at minimizing substance related harm which can be related to health, social, and legal impacts. Harm reduction prioritises social justice, human rights, autonomy, respect, and compassion over judgement and punishment.

1. Safeguard and equip students against substance-related harms.

  • Run naloxone training workshops.
  • Create and publish a resource map for on-campus harm reduction supplies, resources and support.
  • Lobby UVic to install Naloxone kits in residence buildings.
  • Host a Harm Reduction Fair ahead of an identified red-zone to prevent harms on-campus.

2. Lobby the provincial government for publicly funded nasal naloxone 

  • Partner with Uvic Harm Reduction Coalition and UVic Administration to supply post-secondary institutions with publicly funded nasal naloxone. 

1. Safeguard and equip students against substance-related harms.

  • Run 20 naloxone training workshops.
  • Create and publish a resource map for on-campus harm reduction supplies, resources and support.
  • Lobby UVic to install Naloxone kits in residence buildings.
  • Host a Harm Reduction Fair ahead of an identified red-zone to prevent harms on-campus.

2. Lobby the provincial government for publicly funded nasal naloxone 

  • Partner with Uvic Harm Reduction Coalition and UVic Administration to supply post-secondary institutions with publicly funded nasal naloxone. 

Naloxone Training Workshops 

Everyday the opioid crisis claims the lives of 21 Canadians. Get naloxone training today so you are prepared to save a life.

Students can access training (including free kits) through our Safer Use training sessions, in partnership with Student Wellness. Or book a private appointment with a UVic nurse for training and a free naloxone kit.

Everyone can learn about harm reduction and naloxone use for free at Toward the Heart, Canadian Red Cross and the Canadian Pharmacy Association.

You can also pick up a free kit at the Harm Reduction Centre and Campus Pharmacy.

Upcoming Training Dates:

  • Thursday, May 14th, 11am-12pm, in-person @ the UVic Student Wellness Counselling group room
  • Thursday, June 18th, 11am-12pm, online via Zoom
  • Thursday, July 16th, 11am-12pm, in-person @ the UVic Student Wellness Counselling group room
  • Thursday, August 27th, 11am-12pm, online via Zoom

This training is open to everyone!

Check out our Events Page for more information on each in-person training session.

Don’t wait – your training makes a difference.

No registration necessary but arrive early as space limited!

Please, don’t hesitate to reach out to Michael, Interim Director of Campaigns and Community Relations at campaigns@uvss.ca if you have any questions, or to request a private training date for large groups. 

What is NALOXONE?

Naloxone is a drug that prevents or reverses the effects of opioids (such as heroin, fentanyl, and morphine). Naloxone can be used in an emergency to prevent opioid overdose deaths.

Both our in-person workshops, as well as this online asynchronous course describe how to properly administer the form of injectable naloxone the UVSS distributes to students.

No, naloxone is completely harmless to someone not experiencing an opioid overdose. Naloxone is safe, easy to administer and can save lives.

The following locations at UVic give out injectable naloxone kits:

  • University of Victoria Students’ Society Board Office (SUB B103 across from Munchie Bar)
  • UVic Student Wellness Center
  • Campus Pharmacy
  • UVic Harm Reduction Center (offers anonymous pick-up of harm reduction supplies through this online form)

Each kit contains: 

  • 3 Vanishpoint® syringes
  • 3 glass ampoules of naloxone
  • Alcohol Swabs
  • Gloves
  • Bag valve mask to assist responder in giving breaths (1 rescue breath every 5 seconds)
  • SAVE ME instructions in the lid
  • An overdose response information form to be completed after the naloxone has been used.

Volunteer with Us!

Let’s stand together and fight for a brighter future – because your voice matters.

Your Director of Campaigns and Community relations is looking to train passionate student volunteers on campaign management! You’ll learn how to effectively lobby government, critique policy, and mobilise students around important issues. Join the movement today by signing up here: