Heroin Epidemic: Narcan training seminar coming to East Rockaway

The overdose prevention kit will be provided at no charge to trainees over the age of 18 at the East Rockaway seminar.

Penny Frondelli/Herald

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Nassau County and state officials will partner with the East Rockaway Fire Department to host a free overdose prevention seminar on Jan. 13, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the firehouse located at 13 Grant Avenue. 

Residents will learn how to administer Narcan, an opiate antidote that reverses the effects of narcotic drugs and medications such as heroin, codeine, morphine, methadone or Vicodin. Its effects are long-lasting enough to give first responders ample time to arrive.

“Narcan is one of the best tools we have,” said Eden Laikin, chairwoman of the Nassau County prescription drug misuse and abuse prevention committee, at last year’s seminar. “Our training combines how to recognize an overdose with how to administer the antidote.”

Just how widespread are drug overdoses? At least 190 Nassau residents died from heroin and prescription painkillers last year, according to the county executive’s office. Paramedics and doctors have used Narcan for decades, but a 2006 state law allows citizens to administer the drug without worry of liability.

Nassau County has already provided Narcan training for nearly 6,000 people since 2012.  At least two-dozen trainees have used the drug to save someone overdosing on heroin or painkillers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that 10,000 lives have been saved with Narcan since 2006.

“Through education, awareness enforcement and treatment, my administration and the Heroin Prevention Task Force are diligently combatting heroin and opioid abuse throughout Nassau,” said County Executive Mangano. “These free Overdose Prevention Seminars continue to help save lives and keep families whole.”

Narcan is administered through a nasal spray, and will be provided at no charge to trainees over the age of 18 at the East Rockaway seminar. Anyone can attend, but seating is limited.  Residents must pre-register either by emailing elaikin@nassaucountyny.gov or by calling (516) 571-6105. For dates and locations of other Overdose Prevention Seminars, visit: www.nassaucountyny.gov/overdose.