County to offer free training to treat opioid overdoses

Photo from Wikimedia Commons

The county will offer free training for the administration of naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

The drug, also sold under the brand names Narcan® and Evzio®, among others, can treat overdoses of heroin as well as prescription drugs including hydrocodone (Vicodin®) oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®), oxymorphone (Opana®), morphine (Kadian®, Avinza®), codeine and fentanyl.

Naloxone is often administered as a spray into the patient’s nostrils, but is also available as an injectable drug, which provides a faster reaction.

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene announced a statewide standing order that allows pharmacies to dispense naloxone, as of June 1, 2017, to anyone without a prescription to help combat the increase in deaths from opioid overdoses.

Locally, the two-hour training will be offered on Monday, April 9 at the Department of Health and Human Services center at 8818 Georgia Ave. from 1-3 p.m.

Those who complete the course will receive a free Naloxone kit, as well as tips on overdose prevention and information about local and national resources. Kits typically retail for between $140-$190 as may not be covered by insurance.

The training is free, but registration is required by calling Erin Fashion (240.777.4538) or Tiffaney Hall (240.777.4704).

We are expanding our coverage, and we need your help. Click here for more information.

Read More:
Governments, Agencies Announce Holiday Closings and Schedule Changes

Sign up for our
Free Email Newsletters!

Stay connected to your community through our free email newsletters!
Emails are delivered daily to our 2,389 subscribers.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.