In hopes of saving the life of someone having an opioid overdose, two classes have been scheduled in Mineral County to offer education and direction on how to use the medication Naloxone.
Naloxone, also known as Narcan and Evzio, is a lifesaving medication which can help to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Two classes will be held in the area on Sept. 4. The first at 10 a.m. at the Mineral County Library in Hawthorne and the second at 4 p.m. at the Mineral County Care and Share, also in Hawthorne.
U.S. Surgeon General Jerome M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H. stated, “…I am emphasizing the importance of the overdose-reversing drug Naloxone. For patients currently taking high doses of opioids as prescribed for pain, individuals misusing prescription opioids, individuals using illicit opioids such as heroin or fentanyl, health care practitioners, family and friends of people who have an opioid use disorder, and community members who come into contact with people at risk for opioid overdose, knowing how to use Naloxone and keeping it within reach can save a life.”
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist which binds to opioid receptors and reverse and block the effects. It can quickly restore normal respiration to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped as a result of overdosing on heroin or opioid medications.
During the class, those in attendance will be taught how to use the Naloxone nasal spray which is prefilled and needle free. The device requires no assembly and is sprayed into the nose of those suffering from an overdose while on their back.
The class is open to community members, friends and family of people who may have an opioid addiction or to anyone who wants to be informed on how to respond during this emergency.
Those at risk for opioid overdose are:
• Misuses prescription opioids (like Oxycodone) or using heroin or illicit synthetic opioids (like Fentanyl or Carfentanil).
• Having an opioid use disorder, especially those who have completed an opioid detoxification or have been discharged from treatment which does not include ongoing use of Methadone, Buprenorphine or Naltexone.
• Recently discharged from emergency medical care for an opioid overdose
• Recently released from incarceration with a history of opioid misuse or opioid use disorder.
After successful completion of one of the classes listed above, the attendee will be provided with Naloxone for any opioid overdose emergency.
Space is limited and an RSVP is needed. Please call Morgan Green at 775-784-6265, extension 46252 to reserve a seat or if you have questions.
This training is provided through an Opioid Crisis Grant.
