The University of Toledo’s opioid task force is hosting trainings on Tuesday, June 19, for faculty, staff and students interested in learning how to deliver the opioid antidote Narcan.
Those interested can register to receive free Narcan and learn how to administer it at one of three one-hour sessions that will take place at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Mulford Café on Health Science Campus.
Narcan, which is known by the generic name naloxone, is an over-the-counter drug that is used to revive a person believed to be suffering an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain. It is not, however, a substitute for medical help, and 911 should be called whenever an overdose is suspected, even when Narcan is administered.
The Toledo Lucas County Health Department distributes Narcan free of charge to anyone who has been trained to use it. Representatives from the health department will facilitate the training and distribution.
The University Counseling Center, UT Police, Rocket Wellness and the Division of Student Affairs will have staff on site with information about addiction, safety and wellness resources.
“Educating our faculty, staff and students on Narcan and some of the resources we have on our campus to help address the opioid epidemic is important to the University,” said Dr. Amy Thompson, professor of public health and co-chair of UT’s opioid task force. “On average, there are three deaths in our county each week from opioids, and it is common to see well over 150 overdoses each month. Narcan is used in many of these overdoses to save lives, and it’s important we are prepared and equipped to help when we can.”
Register here for the training by Friday, June 15.
For more information, contact Thompson at 419.530.4171 or amy.thompson4@utoledo.edu.
