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Turkey Tail, by Vanaprastha Sciorra

At-risk areas in Steuben County will have NARCAN units installed

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Steuben Prevention Coalition announce overdose prevention initiative

Emergency response to a life-threatening opioid overdose in Steuben County has become more timely, with 21 Emergency Overdose wall units of Narcan © units now being installed in key locations across the county.

The wall units were recently received by the Steuben Prevention Coalition Opioid Committee (SPCOC) in partnership with the Institute of Human Services.

Four wall units will be installed in Corning Community College and will be placed in other areas of the county with higher-than-normal overdose rates. The rates are determined by the state’s overdose reporting software, with other locations suggested by area law enforcement and emergency medical services.

“Naloxoboxes,” as they are called, are secured metal housings that contain up to four boxes of naloxone (Narcan®). The wall units provide easy access to Narcan® and are intended to make it quickly accessible at the time of a life-threatening emergency.

The location of each unit requires community partners willing to monitor the units and contact members of the Opioid Committee when the unit needs to be refilled.

“In a county the size of Rhode Island, it is imperative that we find a way to reduce the time and distance to EMT/ Emergency Services,” said SPCOC coordinator Connie

Terry. “Having the emergency wall units and making Narcan® readily available is essential to saving lives. CCC should be commended for being the first to take the leap to install wall units in Steuben County,” she said.

Terry said remaining wall units will be installed in other locations within the next few weeks.

To become a trained opioid responder, please contact Connie

Terry connie.terry@dor.org. Small and large group training is available in-person and virtually.

Narcan® is a potentially lifesaving medication designed to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. People who are taking high doses of opioid medications prescribed by a physician, those who take a combination of benzodiazepines (tranquilizers) and opioids, people who use illicit opioids like heroin, and people who use other drugs that could be laced with fentanyl, should have Narcan available.

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