Narcan (Naloxone)

NARCAN (naloxone) is a nasal spray that will counteract the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. This easy to use spray was developed for first responders, family, friends and caregivers with the idea that most overdoses happen in a home environment.  No medical training is required to administer the treatment. Instructions on how to administer the nasal spray are included in the packaging.  Repeated doses may be necessary to revive an overdose victim. 

The nasal spray is available at pharmacies such as Walgreen’s, CVS and Rite-Way without a prescription.  The cost is somewhere in the range of $50-70 per dose.  However, the Porter County Health Department is a distributor for the State of Indiana and has a robust supply for those requesting it for NO cost. 

To get a dose to have on handmake an appointment with the health department in Valparaiso.  A nurse will give you a 5 minute demonstration and you will be required to sign a paper acknowledging you received the training. 

Porter County Health Department

      Valparaiso:  155 Indiana Avenue, Suite 104 219-465-3525

       Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday  8:30 am – 4:30 pm

The “This is (Not) About Drugs” educational program is designed for students grades 6-12th as an effective lesson for helping raise awareness to the risks of misusing prescription opioids and how misusing prescription opioids can lead to heroin use and overdose. The lesson encourages students to make good choices and discusses alternatives to using substances while dealing with life stresses. Additionally, how to ask for help and gain support is discussed, along with available information and resources for making decisions about their own body and health. 

The focus of the speaker’s bureau is to present the “This is (Not) About Drugs” outcomes-driven, science-based youth opioid misuse prevention program.  We have made this NO cost program available to all interested middle schools, high schools and youth serving organizations in the county.  In three short years we have touched over 1,500 students with a prevention message that addresses the national opioid public health crisis.

TEACHERS

This 45-minute presentation is led by a trained professional and accompanied by a vetted person that shares their powerful life story about their addiction and their road to recovery. Students are encouraged to ask questions about the material presented. Currently we are serving 8 high schools and 1 middle school.  This class is a natural fit for health class and has been presented in English and general education classes as well.

HEALTHCARE - BUSINESSES – FAITH GROUPS – NURSES – CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES – AND MORE!

The speaker’s bureau has trained professionals to present the “Opioid Public Health Crisis” program to your community group at NO cost to you.  This one-hour presentation is geared toward those working in sectors that are working to prevent and reduce the effects of the opioid public health crisis or who serve individuals at risk for opioid misuse/addiction or overdose.

The course provides the necessary information to understand and address the potential misuse of Opioids, risk factors, and suggested prevention and reduction methods.  Learn how to recognize the signs of opioid overdose and how the reversal drug Naloxone works.  

PRESENTERS

Coalition member agencies are invited to participate in this strategy to fulfill required in-kind (volunteer) hours for the Council.  We can train you and certify you at NO cost to you or your agency.  If you would like to be trained to present this program please contact Carley Samayoa at csamayoa@portercountysac.com.