Help save a life — Narcan training in Island Park

Nassau County is holding a Narcan (Naloxone) training session at the Island Park Library on Sept. 14 from 1to 3 p.m.

Continuing to combat the heroin epidemic and save countless residents’ lives, Nassau County will host a free Overdose Prevention Seminar.  Residents will be trained to administer Naloxone - the lifesaving antidote to a heroin overdose – and learn the warning signs of drug addiction, new and effective treatment options, personal stories of recovery, and more.  The Island Park Library is co-sponsoring the event.

“These free Heroin Overdose Prevention Seminars are just one part of my administration’s four-pronged approach to fight this public health crisis – including education, awareness, enforcement and treatment,” said County Executive Ed Mangano.

“As a Town Councilman and a former New York City Police Detective, I know first-hand the benefits of Narcan in saving lives,” stated Hempstead Town Councilman Anthony D’Esposito. “Hempstead Town has trained staff and is ready to use Naloxone at its beaches and parks.  The more people are trained in its use, the better.”

Approximately 200 Nassau residents died from heroin and prescription painkillers in 2015, according to a County press release.

A 2006 State law allows citizens to administer Naloxone in an attempt to save a life, without fear of liability.  Nassau County has already provided Naloxone training for 7,053 people, at 151 trainings, since 2012, according to Eden Laikin, Nassau County’s director of governmental research.  Nearly 50 trainees have reported using that knowledge - and the Naloxone kit they were given - to revive someone overdosing on heroin or painkillers, and save their lives.  Naloxone is administered through a nasal spray, and is provided at no charge to trainees over the age of 18.

All residents are welcome to attend, but seating is limited.  To attend the two-hour seminar, provided by the Nassau County Department of Human Services, please RSVP at www.nassaucountyny.gov/overdosetraining.  For dates and locations of additional Overdose Prevention Seminars, visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/overdose.