FREE Community Narcan® Training and Access

September 17, 2020

For More Information Contact: Daniel Hunsucker, health educator, LENOWISCO Health District, 276-298-6657

James Mills, certified peer recovery coach, LENOWISCO Health District, 276-275-9613

FREE Community Narcan® Training and Access

(WISE, Va.) — The Virginia Department of Health’s LENOWISCO Health District warns the public of heroin in the area that could be laced with fentanyl or fentanyl derivatives, and could be potentially fatal to people who use it.

In an effort to help community members prevent fatal opioid overdoses, LENOWISCO Health District will host several local events to distribute free naloxone. Naloxone (also known as Narcan®,) is a fast-acting, safe and easy-to-administer nasal spray that can restore breathing and reduce potentially fatal effects of opioid overdoses. Naloxone should be given to any person who shows signs of an opioid overdose or when an overdose is suspected. A family member, bystander, first responder, or medical provider can administer naloxone to save lives. As a reminder, if you come across someone who has overdosed, you should call 911.

“Opioid overdoses are increasing throughout the country as well as in our own region and we want to help keep our communities safe. A person who has overdosed is unresponsive and unable to self-administer an antidote,” said Sue Cantrell, M.D., director, LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts. “These events give family members, friends and even community members the training and tools to recognize and respond to an overdose, and save lives.”

Free naloxone training and distribution events are open to the public and are available on a walk-in basis. No pre-registration is required.  Please wear a mask and maintain social distancing of six feet or more. If you do not have a mask, we can provide one. Training cannot be provided unless masks are worn. Individuals who attend will learn how to use naloxone and receive a free box with two doses of naloxone. Please note: the LENOWISCO Health District does not ask for identification when distributing naloxone.

The schedule is:

  • Monday, September 28, 2020
    • Scott County Health Department, Gate City; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, September 29, 2020
    • Lee County Health Department, Jonesville; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 1, 2020
    • Wise County Health Department, Wise; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Monday, October 5, 2020
    • HIS Ministries, Big Stone Gap; 1 to 3 p.m.
    • Inman Village, Appalachia; 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday, October 7, 2020
    • Old Mill Village Apartments, Pound; 1 to 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, October 14, 2020
    • Clinchview Apartments, St. Paul; 1 to 3 p.m.
    • Sheffield Apartments, Coeburn; 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Monday, October 19, 2020
    • Family Crisis Services, Inc. Outreach Center, Norton; 1 to 3 p.m.
    • Ramsey Southside Apartments, Norton; 4 to 6 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 get trained at these events and take advantage of the no-cost Narcan® while it is available.”

For more information about opioids, visit www.CDC.gov/opioids. For more information about how to get free Narcan®, call your local health department.

LENOWISCO Health District:

  • Lee County – 276-346-2011
  • Scott County – 276-386-1312
  • Wise County/Norton City – 276-328-8000

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