Learn about administering Narcan

A free overdose prevention seminar about how to administer Narcan, a lifesaving antidote to the fatal effects of an opiate overdose, will be held on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Five Towns Community Center at 270 Lawrence Ave. in Lawrence.

Attendants will also learn the warning signs of drug addiction, treatment options and hear personal stories of recovery. At least 190 Nassau County residents died from heroin and prescription painkillers in 2014; according to county officials (final numbers for 2015 are not yet available).

Narcan has been used by paramedics and emergency room doctors for decades, to save lives. A state law went into effect in 2006 that permitted citizens to administer Narcan in an attempt to save a life without fear of liability. The county has provided Narcan training for nearly 6,000 people since 2012, and almost 24 trainees have use their training to revive someone.

Social worker and certified alcoholism and substance abuse counselors who attend are eligible for free continuing education units for the two-hour workshop provided by the county's Department of Human Services.
Attendance is open, but seating limited. To pre-register call (516) 571-6105 or email elaikan@nassaucountyny.gov. For dates and locations of other seminars go to, www.nassaucountyny.gov/overdose.