The Southeastern Utah Health Department will be hosting a Narcan Training on August 11, September 8 and October 13 at 11:00 am. This training event will teach individuals how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and how to administer the Narcan medication. Opioid Specialist, Michelle Ward stopped by Castle Country Radio to share all the details.

“Narcan is a life saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids including heroin, fentanyl and prescription opioid medications. Often given as a nasal spray and it’s safe and easy to use but it does not reverse the effects of alcohol,” stated Ward. Just like a CPR training class, Narcan training is an important skill to learn as drug overdoses are a serious health concern.

Narcan is a lifesaving medication that can save a life of a loved one or stranger. “Narcan quickly reverses an overdose by blocking the effects of the opioids. It can restore normal breathing within two to three minutes in a person whose breath has slowed or even stopped as a result of an opioid overdose,” said Ward. Narcan is a medication that can be obtained from the Southeastern Utah Health Department for free.

At the training, you will not only learn to administer the Narcan but learn other important factors.  “We’ll talk about what are opioids, what are the effects of opioids, how to spot the signs of an overdose, and how to administer Narcan,” said Ward. If individuals are interested in attending this event they can just show up on either August 11, September 8 or October 13 at 11:00 am at the Southeastern Utah Health Department Promotion Building.

If you would like further information on the training, you can call Michelle Ward at (435) 637-3671