NE Delta HSA to Save Lives by Providing Opioid Training and NARCAN® Kits to Friends and Family Members of Opioid Users
MONROE, La. (PRWEB) October 11, 2018 -- Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NE Delta HSA) is hosting a free Community NARCAN® Training and Distribution event Friday, October 12, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Ouachita Parish Public Library, 1800 Stubbs Ave, Monroe, LA 71201.
NARCAN®, the only FDA approved nasal spray form of Naloxone, is a medication that reverses the side effects of an opioid overdose. NARCAN® nasal spray can prevent a fatal overdose and give first-responders and emergency personnel the time needed to respond to and treat an opioid overdose. It is an effective way to counteract an overdose and save lives.
“Statistics show that the opioid epidemic is affecting every demographic,” said Health and Wellness Coordinator, DeeDee Toney, LPC. “Our NARCAN® training and distribution will give families, loved-ones and caregivers the tools and resources they need to recognize, respond and prevent opioid overdoses.”
The training will include information about local substance use disorder resources, the importance of timely emergency responding, a video demonstration, and hands-on simulation experiences administering NARCAN®. At the conclusion of the training, participants will receive one free NARCAN® kit that can be used to treat an opioid overdose.
“NARCAN® can save lives, but it is only a very small part of our efforts to combat opioid addiction and overdosing in our region,” said Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, Executive Director, NE Delta HSA. “Our goal is to significantly reduce the number of citizens who are losing their lives due to this public health challenge in our region. I made a promise to the people of our region and I intend to keep it.”
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there were 346 opioid-related overdose deaths in Louisiana in 2016 alone. Leading up to 2012, the leading cause of opioid overdoses was prescription opioids. Since then, heroin and other synthetic opioids, like fentanyl and carfentanyl, are making matters more difficult and driving up the death totals.
“As a nation, we will get a handle on this crisis like we have in the past,” Dr. Sizer said. “Arguably, this is our third national crisis. The question we should be asking ourselves is why are we seeing the reoccurrence of this form of addiction in significant numbers? We need consistent and comprehensive public policies, treatment options, prevention strategies and societal opportunities for all Americans.”
Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to RSVP by contacting NE Delta HSA’s Health and Wellness Coordinator, DeeDee Toney at 318.362-5338, or deedee.toney(at)la.gov. Space is limited.
About Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NE Delta HSA)
NE Delta HSA manages the operation of community-based programs that improve the quality of life for individuals with major mental illness, developmental disabilities and addictive disorders. NE Delta HSA accomplishes this by utilizing a nationally recognized integrative approach that identifies and addresses behavioral and primary healthcare needs.
NE Delta HSA is devoted to delivering programs and services that encourage citizens of Northeast Louisiana to reach their full human potential. Three tenets guide these efforts: excellent customer service, greater access to services and competent, quality care. We serve Caldwell, East Carroll, West Carroll, Ouachita, Lincoln, Madison, Franklin, Morehouse, Jackson, Tensas, Richland and Union Parishes.
NE Delta HSA Media Contact:
Eddie E. Bynog, Jr.
Public Information Officer
2513 Ferrand Street
Monroe, LA 71201
Office: (318) 362-4272
Email: eddie.bynog(at)la.gov
NE Delta HSA Press & Media
http://www.nedeltahsa.org
Eddie Bynog, Jr., Northeast Delta Human Services Authority, +1 318-362-4272, [email protected]
Share this article