Addabbo Hosts Naloxone Training to Prevent Opioid Overdose Fatalities

Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. is hosting a special training event that could help you save a life. When someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, you only have 4-6 minutes to respond. It takes and average of 7-10 minutes for EMS to arrive. However, administering naloxone at the onset of an overdose is a potentially lifesaving measure that may prevent death and allow more time for professional medical help to arrive.

Opioid overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. There were 80,411 reported opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2021, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Senator Addabbo will partner with J-CAP (part of the Acacia Network) to a host a free Naloxone training and certification at the Shops at Atlas Park, located at 8000 Cooper Avenue in Glendale, on October 17, 2023, starting at 5:30pm. Participants will learn how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and how to respond using Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan. Upon completion of the 20-minute course, participants will receive a certificate and a Naloxone kit.

Opioids include OxyContin, fentanyl, methadone, and Vicodin. Naloxone can also reverse overdoses from street drugs like heroine. Naloxone quickly reverses an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. It can restore normal breathing within 2 to 3 minutes, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Families with loved ones who struggle with opioid addiction should have Naloxone nearby; ask their family member to carry it; and let friends know where it is. People should still call 911 immediately in the event of an overdose, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

“Learning how to use Naloxone and having it on hand is a simple and effective way to potentially save the life of a friend or loved one,” Addabbo said. “I am proud to be working with J-CAP and the Shops at Atlas Park to bring this fast, simple, yet important program to the community.”

Call Addabbo's Office to RSVP at 718-738-1111.