Free Life Saving Narcan Offered At Mount Vernon Training

MOUNT VERNON, VA—As the opioid epidemic remains growing concern in Fairfax County and across the U.S., a local program is offering chances for residents to get the life saving tools against overdoses. Free Narcan, or the drug that reverses opioid overdoses, will be available for free at a training 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24 at the Gartlan Center, 8119 Holland Road, Alexandria.

Residents will learn to administer Naloxone, what to do and not to do in an overdose emergency, how to administer the lifesaving medication and what to do afterward during the free, one-hour REVIVE training. Attendees also get a safety plan to help individuals prevent overdose if they relapse.

The Jan. 24 session will be an opportune time to get all of the necessary supplies. Typically attendees receive all supplies used to administer Narcan except the medication itself. The state also allows anyone to purchase Narcan without a prescription at pharmacies.

Classes are held in Room 168 at the Gartlan Center. Advance registration is not required, but RSVPs are encouraged. RSVP to Natalie Holmes at 703-383-8408. Classes are held monthly.

Local organizations provide resources and education on the opioid epidemic in light of rising overdose numbers and six Fairfax County overdoses in one week back in December. The trainings were started as Fairfax County Community Services Board partnered with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the Chris Atwood Foundation. See the full schedule for REVIVE trainings here.

Residents can also get assistance finding treatment options by calling 703-573-5679 and can obtain Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board's overdose resource cards. If you believe you or someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately.

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