Drug overdose is a serious public health concern and opioid-related overdose has increased as a health threat. A life-saving law took effect on April 1, 2006, making it legal in New York State for non-medical persons to administer Naloxone to another individual to prevent an opioid/heroin overdose from becoming fatal. All registered opioid overdose programs are furnished Naloxone (Narcan) by the NYSDOH. It is a prescription medicine that reverses an overdose by blocking heroin (or other opioids) in the brain.
Anyone can and should administer this nasal spray if they suspect any type of overdose. If no opioids were involved, Narcan will not harm the person, it just won’t have any effect. Since we know that many substances are now mixed with fentanyl, often without the user’s knowledge, it is even more important that people don’t use alone and have someone nearby who carries Narcan. It may require multiple doses of Narcan to revive a person, which makes it crucial to call 911 when you witness an overdose, even after you started administering Narcan. The Good Samaritan Law protects you when you call 911 when you see or experience a drug overdose.
Who Can Administer Naloxone?
Anyone in New York State can be a trained overdose responder. This includes individuals who use opioids; their family members and friends; persons affiliated with healthcare or social service agencies serving persons at risk for an overdose; public safety personnel (law enforcement officers and fire fighters); school and library staff; university staff and students; supportive housing and shelter personnel and residents; and anyone else who may witness or encounter an overdose.
The Prevention Council of Putnam is a NYS certified Opioid Overdose Prevention Provider. We are able to provide one on one, and group trainings to anyone who would like to know how to save a life by administering Naloxone (Narcan). At the end of each training, you will receive a Narcan/Naloxone Kit which includes two doses of intranasal Naloxone, instruction card, and a face shield. For more information, call us at 845-225-4646.
Naloxone training Video. After watching the video please complete the form below.
For more information or if you have any questions please call The Prevention Council at 845-225-4646.
Naloxone Request Form
