Narcan and QPR Training Offered in Simsbury

The opioid epidemic is one of the most tragic, complex issues in our society. In 2021, more than 100,000 individual lives were taken by drug overdose, a 10% increase over 2020. It is important that we act now and learn the critical steps to take in case of an emergency. On Wednesday, April 13, at 6:00 P.M., local nonprofit, A Promise to Jordan, will host a Narcan and QPR training session. The training will take place virtually via Zoom and in-person at “The Barn” at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 124 Old Farms Road, Simsbury.

Narcan (Naloxone) training and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training are integral in case of an overdose or potential suicide. Narcan is an opioid antagonist that helps to reverse opioid overdose, administered either as a nasal spray or through injection. The mission of QPR training, is to reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative and practical suicide prevention training techniques. Together, these training opportunities will help to save lives and restore the hope of addicts and loved ones alike, before it is too late.

The training will be led by John Lally, a retired psychiatric nurse practitioner with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Nursing. Mr. Lally held a private practice in East Windsor, doing psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, and has worked in the field of psychiatry and substance abuse for over 35 years in inpatient, outpatient, and community mental health settings. He is also a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Since the death of his son, Timothy, from a heroin overdose in January 2016, he founded and is the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization called Today I Matter, Inc. (T.I.M.). Their mission is to work to reduce the shame and stigma of mental illness and addiction while promoting the physical, emotional, and mental health of our communities.

A Promise to Jordan is named in honor of Jordan Arakelian, a Simsbury resident who died of an accidental heroin and fentanyl overdose on June 30, 2018, at the age of 24. His mother, Lisa Gray, started the 501c3 organization in his memory to raise awareness and eliminate the stigma of addiction, assist people in accessing quality care, and give hope that recovery is possible to those struggling with addiction.

The session is free for all attendees, but pre-registration is requested. All registrants will receive a free Narcan kit after completing the training. For more information about this training session or A Promise to Jordan, please visit www.apromisetojordan.org or contact A Promise to Jordan at (860) 390-1391.

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