Opioid Overdose Training, Free Naloxone Kit

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is offering opioid overdose response training to help residents know what to do in the case that they encounter an overdose. It centers around naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, which counteracts an opioid overdose.

Trainees will gain a basic understanding of opioids in the class as well as a free naloxone kit. They'll learn what an opioid is, how to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses, how to use naloxone and information about the Good Samaritan Law.

The Good Samaritan Law prevents authorities from filing certain charges against people who assist in an emergency overdose situation, saving lives by limiting the risk of arrest of people in an overdose situation. The law protects people from being arrested for:

• Possession of a controlled dangerous substance
• Possession or use of drug paraphernalia
• Providing alcohol to minors

Officials want at-risk people, as well as friends and relatives of at-risk people, to attend the class. Teens can attend the class with a parent or guardian. Staff of treatment programs, recovery services, transitional housing and public servants are invited.

The classes will be in Annapolis and Glen Burnie, and all take place from 10 to 11 a.m.:

Annapolis: 3 Harry S. Truman Pkwy (front entrance)

• Thursday, Oct. 11
• Thursday, Nov. 8
• Thursday, Dec. 27

Glen Burnie: 122 North Langley Rd.

• Friday, Oct. 5
• Friday, Nov. 16
• Friday, Dec. 14

Article image Alex Costello/Patch