In 2017, more than 72,000 people in the United States, nearly 200 a day, died of drug overdoses. This death toll is higher than the US military casualties in Vietnam and Iraq wars combined. One approach to helping prevent deaths from opioid overdose is the use of the opioid overdose antidote, Naloxone (brand name Narcan).
Each month, St. Christopher’s Inn provides free virtual training (via Zoom) on how to administer Narcan in the event of an opioid overdose. Following participation in the 30-minute on-line training, the “Narcan Kit” with instructions, two doses of the medicine and a personal certification card will be sent to participants at no charge via the USPS.
Narcan blocks the opioid receptors in the brain, and can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It has been available for almost 50 years as an antidote but has taken on an increased role in saving lives as the opioid epidemic has continued to grow. The American Medical Association endorses the training of lay people in the use of Narcan to prevent overdoses. Every state has enacted laws to increase naloxone availability and collaborated with various providers to make Narcan kits/training available to community members. St. Christopher’s Inn is one of New York State’s partners on the front lines of saving lives.
To register, please email us at NarcanTraining@AtonementFriars.org. You can also learn more by visiting the St. Christopher’s Inn website here.
Upcoming Training Dates:
Wednesday, March 15th 2pm EST
Wednesday, April 12th 2pm EST
Wednesday, May 17th 2pm EST
Wednesday, June 14th 2pm EST