March 25, 2019
For More Information, Contact:
- Paige Lucas, epidemiologist, 276-988-5585
- Robin Jackson, BSN, public health nurse supervisor, 276-254-3154
(LEBANON, Va.) — The Virginia Department of Health’s Cumberland Plateau Health District will offer training on opioid overdose reversal using Narcan® (a brand name for naloxone) and will provide Narcan® at no cost to those completing the short training session.
Training classes will be held beginning in April at local health departments in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties and will teach professionals, stakeholders and any concerned community member how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose emergency by administering Narcan®. This medication reverses the effects of opiates on the brain, giving time for emergency services to respond and provide medical care. The class also covers risk factors for opioid overdoses.
“The opioid epidemic is so widespread in our area that this training is crucial for everyone,” said Sue Cantrell, M.D., director of the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts. “A person who has overdosed is unconscious and unable to self-administer the antidote, so it is important to get as many community members trained and carrying Narcan® as possible.”
These classes are FREE and open to the public. The training only takes 30 minutes or less and is available on a walk-in basis. No pre-registration required. Classes are available on the following days, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.:
- Buchanan County Health Department, 1051 Rosebud Rd., Grundy – Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Dickenson County Health Department, 334 Brush Creek Rd., Clintwood – Mondays and Wednesdays
- Russell County Health Department, 75 Rogers St., Lebanon – Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Tazewell County Health Department, 253 Chambers Dr., Tazewell – Mondays and Wednesdays
“Almost every family has been touched in some way by the opioid epidemic,” said Dr. Cantrell. “Getting trained and carrying Narcan® is a great way for individuals in our communities to get involved. Everyone is encouraged to attend the trainings and take advantage of the no cost Narcan® while it is available.”
For more information, contact Paige Lucas, epidemiologist at 276-988-5585 or Robin Jackson, BSN, public health nurse supervisor at 276-254-3154.