narcan – CT State, Three Rivers

In the News | Importance of Community Colleges in Connecticut

NORWICH, Conn. (WTNH, April 25, 2018) – Three Rivers Community College provides opportunity for many students.

Whether it’s getting a degree in accounting, nursing, or getting special training to enter into the submarine manufacturing industry, students count on the college to get ahead in life.

“I’m getting to fulfill my dream of becoming a nurse someday,” said student Lori Fella of Moosup.

Three Rivers is one of the state’s 12 community colleges which the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) wanted to consolidate. But now, that’s not going to happen.

The accrediting agency, New England Association of Schools & Colleges, or NEASC, has turned down CSCU’s money-saving proposal.

Mark Ojakian, president of CSCU says this will be “devastating” and could lead to tuition hikes or campus closures.

“I’d probably have to travel a long way an hour or so,” said Fella.

“I got a 2-year-old and a newborn on the way and I’m working,” said student Mark Simmert of Norwich.

He says he can’t afford to travel farther than the Norwich campus. He’s majoring in business administration with a concentration in marketing.

“And then I’m also going to come back and get my certificate in graphic design and eventually I’m going to open my own repair shop,” said Simmert.

“They actually have a nuclear engineering technology program here,” said student Nathan Reigles of Montville.

That program is the only one in the state and Reigles hopes it will help land him a job at the Millstone Nuclear Power Plant which has invested a lot in the school.

In addition to the degree programs, there are also several non-credit courses that are aimed at getting people trained so they can get into the workforce.

The manufacturing pipeline trains welders for Electric Boat. The school also provides a food pantry and Narcan training.

“I think this school is very, very in touch with what the students need,” said Reigles.

Students don’t want that to change.

“With people not being able to continue their education that drops the economy which is something that Connecticut can’t really afford either,” said Simmert.

This school is part of the community and students say it is an important part of their success.

— By Tina Detelj, WTNH Channel 8

The original story can be found here: ‘Commmunity colleges impacted by rejection to consolidate schools’

In the News | College students take Narcan training

Norwich, CT (WTNH, February 14, 2018) — For the second time in a week the Multipurpose Room at Three Rivers Community College is the place where students can learn some life saving techniques.

It’s not CPR but rather they are learning how to use Narcan.

The drug meant to save overdose victims is being used by more and more people hoping to fight the opioid epidemic.

So far there have been no heroin or opioid overdoses at the Norwich college but they can happen anywhere and now many more may be prepared.

“You’re never going to hurt anyone by giving them Naloxone,” said Shawn Lang with Aids CT.

She is teaching the life saving techniques, along with providing a larger look at the opioid crisis.

“Might be the thing that turns it around so they can watch their kid play football,” said Lang.

“It’s all encompassing it’s actually very easy,” said nursing student Laci Gardner who demonstrated how the Narcan is administered into an overdose victim’s nose.

Lang says four out of five heroin users started with a prescription opiate. A survey shows many students at the school weren’t aware prescription drugs can be abused.

“They didn’t realize the danger. So it’s definitely raised an awareness,” said Victoria Jenkins with Thames River Community College.

The training is made possible by a state grant through the Connecticut Healthy Campus Initiatives.

Gardner learned something she didn’t realize about prescriptions.

“They might be taking them as directed but their body might not be able to clear out the drugs fast enough and they become toxic and overdose,” said Gardner.

She and everyone else at the training are now armed with more information and with a tool to help someone who might need it.

“Not everyone readily has Narcan and it’s nice to know that hey I do,” said Junior Hunter Tashea.

In addition to all the participants getting one of the kits, they’ll also be given to the security department at the school and others so they’ll be available if needed.

— By Tina Detelj, WTNH Channel 8

The original story can be found here: ‘College students take Narcan training.’