Higher Education Leaders’ Perspectives of Student Opioid Misuse and Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs at U.S. Colleges and Universities: An Exploration of Implementation Facilitators and Barriers

Background Colleges and universities are well-positioned to implement opioid overdose prevention programs due to their role in supporting student health. However, implementation varies widely and is shaped by leadership decisions.Purpose This study explored higher education leaders’ perspectives on opioid misuse and overdose prevention programming using an implementation science framework.Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 U.S. college and university leaders. Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR 2.0), data were analyzed using thematic coding to identify implementation barriers and facilitators.Results Four themes emerged: (1) Reframing overdose as “poisoning” and linking prevention to mental health services increased institutional support. (2) Implementation was driven by students, faculty, and external advocacy (e.g. state policy). (3) Cross-campus and community partnerships addressed resource gaps. (4) Institutions described a phased implementation process evolving from external support to “in-house” programs offering naloxone training and overdose education.Discussion This is the first multi-campus study to examine how institutional leaders approach overdose prevention. Results highlight a common implementation pathway and underscore the importance of shifting institutional narratives, leveraging advocacy, and fostering external and internal collaboration.Translation to Health Education Practice Findings inform strategies for developing and sustaining overdose prevention efforts tailored to college settings.