Maine West High School receives NARCAN training from Maryville staff

Medina Mahic and Maggie Slowik, evening supervisors at St. Josephine Bakhita, visited Maine West High School on Nov. 6,7 and 9 to give a presentation on NARCAN opioid reversal.

Attended by 200 sophomores, the students were shown how to administer the medication properly. NARCAN is a medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdose.

Drug overdose is a leading cause of injury deaths in the United States, according to the Healthy People 2030 microsite. In 2021, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported that 3,000 overdoses occurred in Illinois.

During the presentation, Mahic and Slowik encouraged an open conversation with the students and wanted them to feel comfortable asking questions in a safe and judgment-free zone.

"I know it's scary and there's a lot of stigmas, but we are here to teach you how to save a life," Slowik told the students. "We have had clients tell us they never thought this could happen to them."

"Accidents happen and with this training, students now have the power to save a life," Mahic added.

Due to the Statewide Naloxone Standing Order in Illinois, Naloxone is available at pharmacies and Drug Overdose Prevention Programs. Contact the Illinois Helpline at (833) 234-6343 to find a DOPP near you.