Free Naloxone Training Offered

MASSENA -- There will be free naloxone training in Massena April 24 at 2 p.m. at the Massena Community Center, 61 Beach St.

Naloxone is an opiate and opioid overdose antidote that is administered as a nasal spray.

Although it is not a substitute for calling 911, it can keep someone who is overdosing alive long enough for EMTs to arrive.

Many police and first responders around the country are carrying naloxone.

The training for naloxone administration is one hour. Most of that time is spent reviewing information about how it works and statistics about opiate addictions and overdoses.

The actual naloxone administration training is “a short time” because “it is a very easy process,” according to a statement from Comrades of Hope and Dr. Sally White of Hamilton Hall in Ogdensburg, the event’s sponsors.

It can treat someone who has overdosed on heroin, methadone or narcotic painkillers.

“There is no risk of misusing or abusing naloxone. It only works on someone who has used opiates,” the statement reads.

Naloxone can be safely administered to children who might accidentally get into prescription painkillers, such as Vicodin (hydrocodone), Oxycontin and oxycodone.

No medical knowledge is necessary for the training.

After the one-hour session, all those who complete it will receive a free overdose prevention rescue kit.

Comrades of Hope is a support group for loved ones of addicts, current or deceased. They meet at the Massena Community Center on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.

More info on the naloxone event is on the group’s website, comradesofhope.com.