Photo Courtesy of Consumer Reports
Naloxoneis used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
By Michael V. Cusenza
Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach), in conjunction with the State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, will host three naloxone training sessions next monthin Ozone Park, Broad Channel, and Far Rockaway, according to her office.
The sessions will teach participants how to recognize, respond to, and reverse an opioid overdose using naloxone. According to the Surgeon General of the United States, naloxoneis an opioid antagonist that is used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, namely slowed or stopped breathing.
“Expanding the awareness and availability of this medication is a key part of the public health response to the opioid epidemic.Naloxone is a safe antidote to a suspected overdose and, when given in time, can save a life,” said U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H.“Research shows that when naloxone and overdose education are available to community members, overdose deaths decrease in those communities.”
While the events are free, registration is required. Participants must be 16 years of age or older. For more information or to register, contact Pheffer Amato’s office at (718) 945-9550 or amatos@nyassembly.gov.
“This training program—along with the increased funding provided in the state budget to fight this addiction crisis—will help provide life-saving prevention, treatment and recovery services for local communities here in Queens,” the assemblywoman added. “I encourage residents to attend.”
The three free naloxone training sessions:
• Dec. 6 at the Ozone Park Library, 92-24 Rockaway Blvd.; starting at 6 p.m.
• Dec. 10 at the Broad Channel Library, 16-26 Cross Bay Blvd.; starting at 6 p.m.
• Dec. 17 at the Queens Library for Teens, 2002 Cornaga Ave.; starting at 6 p.m.
