Free Overdose Training In Valley Stream On June 8

As part of the continuing fight against the heroin epidemic on Long Island, Nassau County will be holding a free overdose prevention seminar on Thursday, June 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. at New Horizon Counseling Center, located at 50 W. Hawthorne Ave, Valley Stream.

"This free heroin overdose prevention seminar is just one part of my administration’s four-pronged approach to fighting this public health crisis – including education, awareness, enforcement and treatment,: said County Executive Edward Mangano. "These trainings prevent drug-related deaths in our community, save residents lives and keep families whole."

Residents will be trained to administer naloxone — the lifesaving antidote to a heroin overdose — and learn the warning signs of drug addiction, new and effective treatment options, personal stories of recovery and more.

About 210 Nassau residents died from heroin and prescription painkillers in 2015. Hundreds more were saved from overdoses by those trained to administer naloxone. The opioid antidote has been used by paramedics and emergency room doctors for decades to save lives. A 2006 state law allows citizens to administer naloxone in an attempt to save a life, without fear of liability. Nassau County has already provided naloxone training for more than 7,800 people since September 2012. At least 50 trainees have reported using that knowledge — and the naloxone kit they were given — to revive someone overdosing on heroin or painkillers and save their lives. Naloxone is administered through a nasal spray, and is provided at no charge to trainees over the age of 18.

All residents are welcome to attend, but seating is limited. To attend the two-hour seminar, provided by the Nassau County Department of Human Services, please RSVP at www.nassaucountyny.gov/overdosetraining For dates and locations of additional Overdose Prevention Seminars, visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/overdose.

Social Work and OASAS Continuing Education Credits are available for the training, as the Nassau County Office of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency — and the Mental Health Association of Nassau County — is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers.

Photo: Patch