Valley City, ND – City-County Health District and Valley City State University are excited to announce a new initiative to improve health and safety on campus by equipping five residence halls and the University Apartment complex with Automated External Defibrillators and Narcan One Box kits. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to providing immediate support in emergencies, from cardiac arrest to opioid overdose incidents.

The deployment of AEDs and Narcan kits across campus housing facilities is part of an ongoing effort to foster a safe and supportive environment for VCSU students and staff. Through this collaboration, CCHD and VCSU aim to empower residents and staff with the tools they need to respond effectively to life-threatening situations, potentially saving lives.

“Ensuring the health and safety of our community is at the core of our mission, and these new resources reflect that commitment,” said Meghan Velure, RN and Prevention Specialist for City-County Health District. “We’re grateful to support Valley City State University in creating a safer campus environment where students can feel confident that help is accessible when it’s needed most.”

The addition of Narcan OneBox kits represents a proactive step in addressing the impact of opioid use in the community. Narcan, a life-saving medication that reverses the effects of opioid overdose, is now accessible in critical areas on campus to support VCSU’s response capabilities.

AEDs are portable devices designed to treat sudden cardiac arrest by delivering an electric shock to restore a regular heartbeat. Easy to use, AEDs provide clear instructions to bystanders, allowing them to act quickly and effectively before emergency responders arrive. Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdose by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain. Often administered as a nasal spray, Narcan can restore normal breathing within minutes, making it an essential tool in combating the opioid crisis. Together, these devices provide immediate, life-saving support in situations where every second counts.

“At Valley City State University, our students’ well-being is paramount,” said Betty Tykwinski, RN, Director for Health and Wellness at VCSU. “This initiative demonstrates our shared dedication to safety and health. These devices provide peace of mind and can truly make a difference in emergency situations.”

The new AEDs and Narcan kits will be supported by training sessions offering guidance for both students and staff on recognizing signs of emergencies and using these devices effectively. Through this joint effort, CCHD and VCSU are working to ensure that all community members have access to the knowledge and tools they need to act quickly and confidently in times of crisis. Narcan and OneBoxes are provided at no cost through the state of North Dakota’s Behavioral Health Division and North Dakota State University’s One Program.

For more information about AEDs, Narcan, or the One Program please visit heart.org, hhs.nd.gov/opioids, or one-program.org.

Photo Caption: (L to R): Betty Tykwinski, Morgan Hopewell, Erin Edinger, Meghan Velure, Katie Beyer, Mark Nelson, Sharon Bratrud.