Free Narcan Training for Families with Substance Abuse

To reverse the effects of heroin overdoses, Nassau County officials are offering a series of overdose prevention and drug abuse awareness events.

Participants will learn to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, attempt rescue breathing and how to administer Naloxone or Narcan, a medication that can reverse the fatal effects of an overdose on heroin or prescription painkillers to save a person’s life.

Since becoming state-certified as an Overdose Responder Program in late 2012, county officials from the Office of Mental Health & Chemical Dependency have hosted more than 50 such events and trained more than 1,500 citizens on how to administer Narcan. Attendees over the age of 18 will receive a free Narcan kit at the end of the training program.

The events, which run from 7-9 p.m., will also feature a panel of experts in the field of substance abuse who can answer questions about prevention, treatment and education.

No prior medical experience is necessary to participate in the training. Ambulances and emergency rooms have carried Narcan or decades; however, state law allows ordinary citizens to administer it in an emergency situation without fear of a lawsuit or arrest. All trainees will receive a certificate of completion.

The training was announced Thursday by Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, in partnership with Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves, Legis. Laura Schaefer, Legis. Rose Walker, and Sen. Jack Martins.

Narcan Training Sessions:

• May 19th at Carle Place Middle School/High School: 168 Cherry Lane, Carle Place (parking in rear).

• May 28th at East Meadow Library: 1886 Front Street, East Meadow.

To attend, RSVP to Eden Laikin at elaikin@nassaucountyny.gov or by calling (516) 571-6105.