Opioid Overdose Reversal Training and Free Narcan® Available at Local Health Departments

April, 4, 2019

For More Information, Contact:                                                            

  • Melanie Deel, health educator, LENOWISCO Health District, 276-328-1904
  • Dan Hunsucker, health educator, LENOWISCO Health District, 276-386-1312

 

(WISE, Va.) — The Virginia Department of Health’s LENOWISCO Health District will offer training on opioid overdose recognition and reversal using Narcan®, and will provide Narcan® (naloxone) at no cost to those completing the short training session.

Training classes will be held in April at local health departments in Lee, Scott and Wise counties and will teach professionals, stakeholders and any concerned community member how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose emergency by administering Narcan® (a brand name for naloxone). 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 widespread across our area, the commonwealth and the country, with overdose deaths surpassing those from motor vehicle accidents and gun violence,” said Sue Cantrell, M.D., director of the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts. “A person who has overdosed is unresponsive and unable to self-administer Narcan®, the antidote. These classes give family members, friends and even community members the training and tools to recognize and respond to an overdose, and save lives.”

The training takes 30 minutes or less, is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required. This service is available on a walk-in basis at these dates, times and locations:

  • Wise County Health Department, 134 Roberts Ave., SW, Wise.
    • Friday, April 12 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Scott County Health Department, 190 Beech St., Suite 102, Gate City.
    • Tuesday, April 16 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Lee County Health Department, 134 Hill St., Jonesville.
    • Thursday, April 25 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Many families have been touched in some way by the opioid epidemic,” said Dr. Cantrell. “Getting trained and carrying Narcan® is a great way for communities to get involved. Everyone is encouraged to attend the REVIVE! trainings and take advantage of the no-cost Narcan® while it is available.”

For more information, contact District Health Educators Dan Hunsucker at 276-298-6657 or Daniel.Hunsucker@vdh.virginia.gov, or Melanie Deel at 276-328-1904 or Melanie.Deel@vdh.virginia.gov.