County Hosting Free Overdose Prevention Seminar In East Rockaway

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Legislator Howard J. Kopel are hosting a free Overdose Prevention Seminar on Monday, March 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Grant Avenue Fire House, located at 13 Grant Ave. in East Rockaway.

Residents will be trained to administer Naloxone -- the lifesaving antidote to an opiate overdose -- and learn the warning signs of drug addiction, new and effective treatment options, personal stories of recovery, and more.

“These trainings prevent drug-related deaths in our community, save residents lives and keep families whole," said Mangano.

Approximately 210 Nassau residents died from heroin and prescription painkillers in 2015. Hundreds more were saved from overdoses by those trained to administer Naloxone. The drug has been used by paramedics and emergency room doctors for decades to save lives. A 2006 state law allowed 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 at 155 training seminars 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 provided at no charge to trainees over the age of 18.

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.

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

Photo: Patch