Opiod Antidote Training at the Ossining Library

From Sen. Carlucci’s Office

Dozens of Hudson Valley residents gathered at the Ossining Public Library, to attend a Naloxone training seminar hosted by Senator David Carlucci (D–Rockland/Westchester), Ossining Communities that Care and the Harm Reduction Coalition.

The training, administered by Bill Matthews of the Harm Reduction Coalition, was attended by members of the Ossining Police Department, concerned citizens, and service providers from Westchester and Rockland counties.

“This evening, we came together as a community to address an epidemic that has affected our friends, neighbors, and family members,” said Carlucci. “Whether it’s a police officer, counselor at a treatment facility, or someone with a loved one struggling with addiction, they are here tonight because they are truly committed to saving lives. It is my hope that through our efforts, we can make Naloxone more affordable and accessible to the public.”

New York has been caught up in the sweeping heroin epidemic: In 2013, there were 15,000 more admissions for heroin and prescription opioid abuse treatment in New York State than in 2009. In response to the escalating number of overdoses organizations like the Harm Reduction Coalition have partnered with the New York State Department of Health to provide Naloxone kits and training to the public as well as to emergency personnel.

The Harm Reduction Coalition describes Naloxone (also known as Narcan) as an “opioid antagonist” medication, used to counteract life-threatening depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system, allowing an overdose victim to breathe normally.

Through the efforts of the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), and other state agencies, about 37,000 people have been trained and more than 1,100 lives have been saved.

During the training, which took about two hours, Matthews gave a detailed description about what happens to an individual who is experiencing an opioid overdose. Matthews also explained to the crowd in great detail how Naloxone works, the best way to administer Naloxone, and how to perform “Rescue Breathing” on someone who is not breathing due to an overdose.

“Due to the opioid epidemic being so widespread, access to Naloxone is extremely important,” said Ossining Police Department Lieutenant Kevin Sylvester. “We like to collaborate with elected officials, especially when it comes to an issue as important as public safety. We are always happy to work with Senator Carlucci, and we look forward to continuing this conversation.”

Licensed professionals, physicians and recovery program directors gathered together before and after the training to converse, and the consensus was very clear—the resources provided to those battling the opioid epidemic need to match the rising client numbers and demand for treatment.

“It is very important to understand every aspect of this disease,” said John Cantiello, CASAC, who works as a counselor at the Adult Intensive Outpatient program at the Lexington Center for Recovery in Mt. Kisco, NY. “Tonight we are learning how to handle a life or death situation. You always hope for the best when it comes to your clients, but it’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.”

This is the third Naloxone training Senator Carlucci has co-hosted. The Hard Reduction Coalition was notified a Naloxone kit that was given to an individual at a training held in April of 2014 was recently used to save a life.