Heroin is a highly addictive drug and it only takes one or two doses to become hooked. Each dose costs less than a pack of cigarettes. This drug knows no social or economic barriers and is even attracting children as young as 12. Although deaths from overdoses are increasing, they are not growing at nearly the same rate as usage. This is due to the efforts of Nassau and Suffolk counties and the mandatory training of all medical and police staff in administering Narcan. Narcan, or naloxone hydrochloride, is an opiate antidote that reverses an opioid overdose. Narcan training is helping to reduce the number of deaths from overdoses.
In addition to training personnel, Nassau County has sponsored Narcan training for over 4,000 civilians in the past three years. Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton is cohosting a Narcan training session on Wednesday, June 1, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Schreiber, located at 101 Campus Dr.
“I have met a number of people through these training sessions and other meetings whose children are honors students, athletes and Boy and Girl Scouts from good, nurturing families who became addicted to heroin so easily,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “They all say, ‘if it happened in my family, it can happen in anyone’s.’”
Dozens of these civilian trainees have saved lives. Since it is a nasal mist, it is simple to use. Being trained and having a kit are important regardless of whether people think they’ll need to use it on a loved one or a stranger.
The Port Washington Police Department will also participate in
the training session by helping to urge residents to attend the event, as well as discussing how the epidemic is affecting Port Washington and other communities.
“Heroin usage might not be as pervasive in Port Washington as in other communities, but we most definitely have a problem that is growing,” Port Washington Police Chief Jim Salerno said. “We need to turn the tide through education and training. This Narcan session is a good first step.”
Anyone 18 or older can register for the training, which also covers warning signs of addiction and other information. To register, email elaikin@nassaucountyny.gov or call 516-571-6105. Include your name, email and the June 1 training date as there are other sessions taking place. For more information, go to www.nassaucountyny.gov/overdose.
