MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Health Department and Quick Response Team passed out free naloxone at 10 locations across the county Thursday as part of Save a Life Day.
Naloxone is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Fentanyl test strips were also handed out.
The West Virginia Association of Addiction and Prevention Professionals Jonathan Dower said Thursday’s goal was to save the lives of people who will ultimately pick recovery. The QRT and volunteers were at 10 locations with the goal of passing out 2,000 of the life-saving kits.
“Their loved ones very much want them alive and want them to find recovery,” Dower said. “We can’t help them find recovery if they’re not breathing, and that’s simply what Narcan does: it kicks the opioid off of the opioid receptor in the brain.”
Dower said the medication is very simple to use and is safe. Knowing when to use the drug is the most important thing, and some training is offered at the pickup points.
“It’s something that is more about understanding the signs,” Dower said. “Looking for blue lips, blue on the fingernails, unresponsive, or unresponsive to pain, or any type of medication area or signs of an overdose.”
Naloxone can be used with confidence by just about anyone, and the drug has no ill effects if given to someone not suffering an opioid overdose. The distribution of Narcan has ushered in a steady decline of deadly overdoses in Monongalia County.
“Naloxone has very few side effects, and it is safe to administer even if you’re not sure if it’s an opioid overdose or not,” Dower said.
Dower said there are no restrictions or qualifications needed for residents to carry the drug. He said the overdose antidote would be vital in the event of an accidental exposure to a dangerous substance or an error with pain medication by an elderly family member.
“I hope that people that pick up today never encounter an overdose,” Dower said. “But I promise you if it’s your elderly parent or if it’s a child that’s been exposed or someone you love, you’ll be very happy you have access to this medication.”
According to Dower, naloxone works. In the past, Dower has responded to the scene of an overdose where the victim survived and currently works in the recovery community. That is one of many instances that shows just how important Save a Life Day and naloxone can be.
“Not only did we resuscitate that individual, but he went onto meaningful recovery and works in a treatment center helping the next generation of individuals find recovery,” Dower said.