A month-long campaign is underway to educate and alert the public on the importance of a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.
“NARCAN November” is the name for a series of programs and services sponsored by the Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress (ASAP) in Bartholomew County.
Throughout the month, efforts will be made to inform local residents about the nasal spray containing the medication naloxone. The spray can rapidly reverse the effect of an opioid overdose, but only for a limited time.
“The goal … is to educate the community on what NARCAN is, where it is available, and above all else, that NARCAN saves lives,” said Matthew Neville, ASAP director of operations.
Regarding availability, the medication is available at no cost to the general public at the ASAP Hub, located in the Doug Otto United Way Building, 1531 13th St. It can be picked up weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To increase public awareness, yard signs will be distributed with the message that “NARCAN Saves Lives” that will be displayed throughout the community during the month of November.
In terms of education and training, ASAP will be hosting the following virtual events on the ASAP Hub Facebook page:
Tuesday — A 6 p.m. discussion of NARCAN, what it is, how it works, and where you can get it.
Wednesday, Nov. 18 — At 7 p.m., the first of two training presentations will be made to teach the signs of an opioid overdose, and how to properly administer NARCAN.
Saturday, Nov. 21 — At 10 a.m., the second presentation will be made to teach the signs of an opioid overdose, and how to properly administer the nasal spray.
Tuesday, Nov. 24 — A 6 p.m. roundtable discussion on the impact that NARCAN has had on our community.
The medication is intended for immediate administration as emergency therapy in settings where opioids may be present. However, the nasal spray manufacturer warns that NARCAN is not a substitute for emergency medical care.
In addition to the online events, ASAP staff will remain available on an ongoing basis to make presentations to local groups interested in learning more about the nasal spray.
Those with questions, or who want to learn more, are invited to visit ASAP NARCAN.org
