Free Heroin Overdose Training Next Week

To help save lives and combat the heroin epidemic, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, State Assemblyman Brian Curran and State Senator Michael Venditto will host a free Heroin Overdose Prevention Seminar on Monday, August 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Baldwin Public Library, located at 2385 Grand Avenue.

Residents will learn how to administer Naloxone, the lifesaving antidote that can reverse the fatal effects of an opiate overdose. They will also learn the warning signs of drug addiction, treatment options, personal stories of recovery and more. The Baldwin Public Library is co-sponsoring the event.

At least 200 Nassau County residents died from heroin and prescription painkillers in 2015. Hundreds more were saved from overdoses by those trained to administer Naloxone, which has been used by paramedics and emergency room doctors for decades. But 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 6,750 people since 2012. At least 37 trainees have reported using that knowledge -- and the Naloxone kit they were given -- to revive someone overdosing on heroin or painkillers. 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.

All residents are welcome to attend. Seating is limited. To attend the two-hour workshop, please RSVP to elaikin@nassaucountyny.gov. For dates and locations of additional Overdose Prevention Seminars, visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/overdose.