Nassau County, NY - September 29, 2014 - To help save lives and combat the Heroin epidemic, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today announced several free Overdose Prevention Seminars for residents to learn how to administer the lifesaving antidote known as Narcan which that can reverse the fatal effects of an Opioid overdose. Residents can also learn about the warning signs of drug addiction, available treatment options, personal stories of recovery, and more.

While Narcan has been utilized by Emergency Medical Technician’s (EMT’s) for decades, a State law allows ordinary citizens to administer it in an emergency situation in attempt to save a life, without fear of liability. Since Nassau County became a state-certified Overdose Responder program in September 2012, officials have trained more than 2,200 citizens, including family members of those addicted to drugs. Narcan, administered through a nasal spray, is provided at no charge to those over the age of 18 who complete the training, thanks to the state health department. Training is provided by the Nassau County Department of Human Services - Office of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency & Developmental Disabilities Services’ (OMHCDDDS) Behavioral Health Awareness Campaign.

The following Overdose Prevention Seminars will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., unless noted below:

• Tuesday, October 7th at Valley Stream American Legion Hall, 51 Roosevelt Avenue
• Thursday, November 20th at Oceanside Middle School, 186 Alice Avenue
• Thursday, December 4th at Floral Park Memorial High School, 210 Locust Street, Floral Park

A veteran and veteran caregiver seminar on overdose prevention will also take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on:

• Wednesday, November 12th at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building, 1550 Franklin Avenue, Mineola.

No prior medical experience is necessary to participate in the training. All trainees will receive a certificate of completion. Anyone can attend but seating is limited and residents must therefore pre-register either by emailing elaikin@nassaucountyny.gov or by calling (516) 571-6105.

Photo by Robert Linder via Free Images