BOSTON – Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a bill that would require colleges and universities to keep naloxone, the life-saving overdose reversal medication, on campus.
Senate Bill 951 would require all public higher education institutions—including state colleges, universities and community colleges—to stock naloxone, the medication commonly known by the brand name Narcan. The measure would also mandate overdose response training for students, faculty and staff, and establish recovery-focused housing programs.
Some colleges have already taken similar steps. Bridgewater State University became the first institution in the nation to launch a public access Narcan program in 2017, placing the medication in about 60 locations across campus, including every residence hall.
Massachusetts could soon join a growing number of states passing legislation around naloxone access. Earlier this year, Minnesota became the third state to require the medication in residence halls.
The push comes as drug overdoses remain the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 44, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There is some good news, though. After years of increases, overdose deaths fell by nearly 24% in 2024, reaching their lowest level since 2019. Experts say expanded access to naloxone and increased education are two of the main reasons.
