Narcan Continues to Reduce Deaths From Opioid Overdoses

With over half of the residents in New York saying they have been touched in some way by the opioid epidemic, understanding the reasons and having the power to potentially save the life of someone who is overdosing becomes more and more important than ever before. As dangerous and addictive as heroin is on its own, it is often laced with powerful drugs like fentanyl (100 times stronger than morphine) and even carfentanyl, an elephant tranquilizer, which is 1,000 times stronger than heroin. These high-potency drugs are adding to the horrific statistics of overdose deaths.

Although the opioid epidemic continues, deaths from overdoses are declining in areas where EMS, police and the general public are trained and have Narcan kits. Narcan (naxolone) nasal spray is simple to administer and cannot harm someone who is not overdosing from an opioid. On Monday, June 3, Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton is sponsoring a Narcan education and training session. The event will be held from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at The Chabad, 80 Shore Road in Port Washington.

“These events not only provides people with life-saving Narcan kits, but also arms them with the knowledge about how easily addictive opiates are, whether in heroin or prescription pill form,” Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton said. “Understanding how this terrible drug works is the first step in combatting the epidemic. I urge everyone to attend one of these eye-opening meetings. We thank Rabbi Paltiel and The Chabad for providing the space to conduct this important training.”

Everyone in attendance (18 years or older) will receive a Narcan kit and a certificate. There is no fee for the training or kit, but registration is required. Please contact Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton’s office at 516-571-6211 or online at nassaucountyny.gov/overdosetraining to register.