Chabad of Mineola recently hosted a training class, led by Hempstead Medical Director Dr. David Neubort, to help people become heroin overdose responders and learn how to use Narcan.
The class included teaching attendees how to identify an overdose victim, administer the Narcan Kit—which can quickly reverse the effects of a narcotic overdose—and contact emergency officials.
“There is a heroin epidemic here on Long Island and around the country,” said Rabbi Anchelle Perl at Chabad of Mineola. “We salute Supervisor Anthony Santino, Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby and Town Councilman Anthony D’Esposito, for spearheading this lifesaving initiative.”
Perl said the initiative was held prior to Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, as a new year’s resolution for members to be ready to help save a life and encourage more community leaders, rabbis and lay persons to become overdose responders.
“Our goal is to make it kosher to become an overdose responder, and more importantly through this program, strive to build a caring community that is aware of and responsive to the problems of heroin and supports individuals and families who struggle with addiction,” said Perl. “With the support of the Town of Hempstead, we are working hard to open multiple avenues of access within and outside the Jewish community. Our efforts are to combat denial and stigma, helping the Jewish community and beyond, understand that addiction is a disease that impacts our community and a disease that can be treated.”
