Thomas Jefferson Health District to Provide Free Rescue Medication for Opioid Overdoses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                             September 12, 2017

For More Information Contact:

Kathryn Whitestone, Public Information Officer, 434-270-4802

(Charlottesville, Va.) — In an effort to prevent fatal opioid overdoses, the Thomas Jefferson Health District (serving the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson counties) will launch a program to distribute free Naloxone (also known as NARCAN), a fast-acting, safe and easy-to-administer nasal spray that can restore breathing and reduce the potentially fatal effects of opioid overdoses. A family member, bystander, first responder or medical provider can administer naloxone and save lives.

Community members can pick up free NARCAN by scheduling an appointment at any of the following health departments.  Appointments may take as long as 1-2 hours, if training is needed. Those who have completed the REVIVE! program do not need additional training, but must bring proof of training completion.