May 29, 2015

Contact: Mary C. St. Mary / Mary.StMary@Erie.Gov

Phone: (716) 858-4941 / Mobile: (716)253-3925                  

ADDITIONAL NALOXONE TRAINING SESSIONS ADDED

Two June Sessions Planned for Southtowns; One for Northtowns

ERIE COUNTY, NY — Erie County continues to take a proactive stance to address the serious public health crisis of fatal opioid drug overdoses in our community.  The continued positive public response and ongoing demand for these training sessions prompted the addition of three trainings located throughout Erie County to meet residents’ needs.

• Thursday, June 4, 2015: Training will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Orchard Park Fire District, 30 School St. (between S. Lincoln & Route 277), Orchard Park, NY, 14127. Enter through side door.
• Wednesday, June 10, 2015: Training from 6 to 8 p.m. at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Ground Floor Conference Room, 1540 Maple Rd., Williamsville, NY, 14221.
• Wednesday, June 24, 2015: Training from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lake Erie Beach Volunteer Fire Company, 9483 Lakeshore Rd., Angola, NY, 14006.

Once participants successfully complete the two-hour training, they will be able to recognize a possible drug overdose and administer naloxone (trade names: Narcan® or Evzio®). They will receive a free kit containing two naloxone doses provided by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).

“Time is of the essence when a person has overdosed on opioids,” said Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein. “Fatal overdoses have occurred this year in urban, suburban, and rural Erie County communities, both in high-income and in lower-income areas. First responders, especially in more rural areas, cannot always reach a victim in time. By training individuals to recognize the signs of a possible overdose, call 911, and then administer the naloxone in their possession, additional lives will be saved.”

The Good Samaritan Law protects an overdose victim and those who summon help:

• From arrest in the presence of misdemeanor drug possession and/or underage drinking; and
• From prosecution in felony possession (unless there are aggravating circumstances, e.g. possession with intent to sell or outstanding warrants). 

Community Trainings

Opioid Overdose Recognition & Use of Naloxone for Reversal

Registration is online only.  Preregistration is highly recommended as space is limited. There is no cost for Erie County residents. For questions about trainings, please call (716) 858-7690.

For more information:         

• Erie County  
• New York State Department of Health
• Harm Reduction Coalition
• National Institute on Drug Abuse