Health Officials Offer Free Narcan To Help Prevent Overdoses

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — Health officials in McHenry County say overdose numbers tend to creep up during the holiday season, and the health department is now offering a life-saving opioid overdose-reversing medication for free as a way to prevent overdose deaths.

Narcan is now available for residents to pick up at McHenry County Department of Health clinics in Woodstock and Crystal Lake. Health officials say stress, loneliness and isolation can lead to increased substance use at this time of year, and overdose numbers tend to rise during the holiday season.

There's also been a prevalence of fentanyl in illicit drugs nationwide increasing the number of overdoses in the region and around the country.

Narcan, which is a nasal spray, is available for free, and those interested in picking it up do not need to make an appointment and no identifying information is needed to get the medication, according to the news release. MCDH staff will provide quick on-the-spot training on how to recognize an opioid overdose and how to administer naloxone.

Naloxone is a legal, safe opioid-reversing medication that anyone can administer to quickly stop an opioid overdose. It is safe to administer and does not cause adverse side effects to anyone not experiencing an overdose.

To receive naloxone and on the spot training you can visit the MCDH clinic in Woodstock, 2200 N. Seminary Ave., or in Crystal Lake, 100 N. Virginia St. Both clinics are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Before stopping out, you can check online for holiday and any weather-related closures.

People who use or have a loved one who uses opioids can be proactive by knowing the signs of an overdose and using tools to intervene if they think someone is having an overdose.

Opioid overdose symptoms include:

• Limp body
• Purple or blue fingernails or lips
• Vomiting or gurgling noises
• Cannot be awakened or unable to speak
• Breathing or heartbeat slows or stops. If trained, initiate CPR if breathing or heartbeat stops.

If someone suspects an overdose, they should:

• Immediately call 911
• Lay the person on their side
• If possible, administer as many doses of naloxone as needed until the person responds or until emergency services arrive

People struggling with substance use, or know someone who is, are encouraged to contact the McHenry County Mental Health Board for resources and treatment options.