Ripon College and Fond du Lac County Health Department worked in collaboration with the non-profit organization Clinton Foundation to install Overdose Aid Kits (OAKs) across Ripon College. These kits were installed throughout the campus on Friday, January 17th. The purpose of the OAKs is to provide life-saving tools and resources for individuals at risk of overdose. These kits contain naloxone (Narcan), a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, along with other helpful materials such as educational information on how to prevent and respond to overdoses. “Opioid overdoses happen daily on college campuses across the United States. Having naloxone on hand can save a life and I applaud Ripon College for their commitment to the wellbeing of their students and staff. The naloxone in the OAKs is available for anyone to take, no questions asked, to use in an emergency or for a student to keep on their person,” said Jessica Geschke, Senior Project Manager at the Clinton Foundation and creator of the OAKs. “Similar to AED machines throughout campus, OAKs are another way we can support our campus community in an emergency,” said Dean of Students Chris Ogle. “We continue to take a proactive approach to promoting health and safety, in whatever form, throughout our campus and thank the Fond du Lac County Health Department for being a continued partner.” This initiative demonstrates a collaborative effort to combat the opioid crisis and provide immediate assistance to those in need, offering a proactive approach to saving lives within
the local community. Every life saved is an opportunity for healing, growth, a fresh start toward a brighter future and a path to recovery. “When we talk about safety, usually we think of common hazards in our homes,” according to DeAnn Thurmer, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital president. “But, sadly, more families nationally are experiencing loss of a loved one who overdosed on prescription or illegal drugs, often accidentally. By having these Overdose Aid Kits available in key community locations, lives can absolutely be saved. It is no different than keeping band-aids on hand. You may never need them but, if you do, they are there for easy, quick access.” “We are grateful for Ripon College making OAKs available on their campus and to the Ripon community. The stigma surrounding substance use is oftentimes a barrier to people seeking services. Expanding access to naloxone and resources available is an important step forward in letting community know we are here to help,” said Sarah Gradinjan, Community Health and Prevention Supervisor with Fond du Lac County Health Department. OAKs can be found on campus at these locations:
Great Hall Rodman Arts Center
Lane Library Willmore Center
Pickard Commons
The kits installed at Ripon College are in addition to the OAKs that have been installed previously at various businesses in Fond du Lac County. Visit the Fond du Lac County Health Department website at www.fdlco.wi.gov/gethelp to view other locations. We can all take action to save lives. If you would like information on how to use naloxone nasal spray to reverse an opioid overdose, contact Fond du Lac County Health Department at 920-929-3085. Fond du Lac County Health Department is a Narcan Direct Site and
provides naloxone and training at no-cost to community members/organizations. To learn more about the Overdose Aid Kits, please visit www.overdoseaidkit.com. The Clinton Foundation is encouraging additional businesses, organizations, and municipalities to join the fight against the fentanyl crisis and host an OAK. Interested parties can contact the
Clinton Foundation for more information at 920-382-6834 or jgeschke@clintonfoundation.org.
