Congregational Church of Batavia offers free Narcan training
With the epidemic of opioid overdose deaths continuing to rise, the Congregational Church of Batavia is hosting a free training session on Sunday, Oct. 8, on identifying the signs of an opioid overdose, and how to administer Narcan/Naloxone. This medication can reverse an overdose and save lives.
What is Naloxone, and why should you know about it?
Naloxone is a safe and effective nasal spray that can be used to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. It can quickly restore breathing, brain function, and save the life of a person experiencing an opioid overdose.
It is legal in Illinois for non-medical professionals to administer naloxone to an individual experiencing opioid overdose. Naloxone is available under the brand name Narcan.
According to the most recent data available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, opioid overdose deaths increased from 21,089 in 2010 to 80,411 in 2021. Kane County had a combined 156 opioid-related deaths in 2021 and 2022. By offering this training, perhaps lives can be saved.
Research conducted by Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston showed that when given naloxone, 93.5% of people survive their overdose.
The training will be provided by Michelle Abrams, community affairs nurse with Northwestern Memorial Healthcare. It is open to the public.
RSVP by registering at bit.ly/3rzSsuM or via the QR code.
The training will begin at 11:15 a.m. after the morning service at the church, 21 S. Batavia Ave. (Route 31).