Naloxone
Throughout the United States, as well as here in Eastern Connecticut, opioid addiction and prescription misuse has increased. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Naloxone in Municipal Buildings
The Eastern Highlands Health District, in collaboration with the Town of Mansfield Youth Services Bureau, and Office of Emergency Management, developed draft policy documents that can be a model for any Connecticut municipality to implement a program to pre-stage NARCAN kits within designated AED cabinets in municipal buildings.
- Treatment Resources Brochure
- Protocol and Procedures, Administration of Naloxone (NARCAN)
- Opioid Overdoes Reversal Policy
- Standing Order, Municipal Buildings, Nasal Naloxone (NARCAN)
Because NARCAN is a regulated product it’s advised that any initiative to pre-stage NARCAN be reviewed by legal counsel.
The other important components of an effective program to pre-stage NARCAN in town buildings includes the training of town staff on the administration of NARCAN, and the procurement of the NARCAN kits. There are a number of community organizations serving our area that will provide training, and the kits to participating individuals free of charge. These organizations include your Regional Action Council, and other organizations such the Perception Program and the Greater Hartford Harm Reduction.
The Eastern Highlands Health District encourages others to consider exploring the implementation of these policies. A few of the public schools in our jurisdiction, and around the state have already established policies to store NARCAN on site. This is a reasonable, meaningful step towards harm reduction in our local communities.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health has also launched the Naloxone + Opioid Response App (NORA) to help people get more information about: recognizing opioid overdose, obtaining naloxone, using naloxone, and getting treatment.
Naloxone Pharmacies
There are pharmacies in every corner of our state with pharmacists who are certified to prescribe Naloxone. Find one near you.
The other important components of an effective program to pre-stage NARCAN in town buildings includes the training of town staff on the administration of NARCAN, and the procurement of the NARCAN kits. There are a number of community organizations serving our area that will provide training, and the kits to participating individuals free of charge. These organizations include your Regional Action Council, and other organizations such the Perception Program and the Greater Hartford Harm Reduction.
The Eastern Highlands Health District encourages others to consider exploring the implementation of these policies. A few of the public schools in our jurisdiction, and around the state have already established policies to store NARCAN on site. This is a reasonable, meaningful step towards harm reduction in our local communities.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health has also launched the Naloxone + Opioid Response App (NORA) to help people get more information about: recognizing opioid overdose, obtaining naloxone, using naloxone, and getting treatment.
Naloxone Pharmacies
There are pharmacies in every corner of our state with pharmacists who are certified to prescribe Naloxone. Find one near you.
Keep Medication Secure
Help prevent prescription and Over-the-Counter (OTC) drug abuse. The Connecticut Prevention Network has published a flyer with tips on what you can do to keep your medications safe. Click here to view the flyer.
The Department of Consumer Protection for the State of Connecticut has information about how to safely dispose of unwanted prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, as well as a drop box locator for secure sites to dispose of these medications.
Beware of products that promise miracle cures for those addicted to drugs. Products that promise miracle cures or fast results can cost precious time and money, lead to relapse, and even be dangerous. Read this message from the Federal Trade Commission.