Free Narcan Kits, Training Offered

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International Overdose Awareness Day is Monday, Aug. 31. To help raise awareness, Red Rock Behavioral Health Services is holding a series of Narcan training events at its facilities, including the Watonga outlet, 216 West A. Street.

The event will be touchless in order to help prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Simply arrive at the parking lot area of the building between 9-11 a.m. that day and learn how to prevent an opioid overdose and receive a free Narcan kit.

Narcan is an opioid overdose reversal medication.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2017, more than 70,000 people died from drug overdoses, making it a leading cause of death in the United States. Sixtyeight percent of those deaths involved a prescription or illicit opioid. On average, 130 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose.

“Any community member is welcome to come by and get that kit and learn how to use Narcan effectively to save that life,” said Brittani Brice, of Red Rock Behavioral Services. “Anybody can benefit from this training.”

She characterized the training as brief and simple, but to the point, transmitting the necessary information needed to help stop an overdose. Businesses, churches and community residents are welcome to avail themselves of the kits and training at no charge.

Connie Burcham can be reached at Editor@WatongaRepublican.com