Gwen Rummell Reporting –
The Tuscarawas County Health Department is giving out free naloxone kits through the Ohio Department of Health’s Project DAWN.
Project DAWN, which stands for Deaths Avoided With Naloxone, is a network of overdose education and naloxone distribution programs. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a medication that is used to quickly reverse overdoses cause by opioids.
TCHD Community Relations Jennifer Demuth says overdoses can happen to anyone and carrying naloxone is highly beneficial.
“We recommend that most adults consider carrying a free Narcan or naloxone kit because you never know when you may be out in a place either out in public or even within your own family if you have persons in your family who have prescription pain medicines. You might witness an accidental overdose, and if you have that free kit with you, you can very safely help save a life.”
Demuth notes the kits are similar to epi-pens in the way that they become less effective when passing their expiry date. She adds that the medication is heat sensitive and cannot be kept in a vehicle.
An informational video on recognizing the signs of an overdose and how to administer naloxone are available at www.tchdnow.org.
For more information on Project DAWN and why to carry naloxone, call 330-343-5555 extension 1780 or email narcan@tchdnow.org.
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