The classes are scheduled for 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, in the Dr. Rice C. Leach Community Room at the health department’s main building, 650 Newtown Pike. Participants must complete a 10-15-minute training to receive a free naloxone kit, followed by time for paperwork and a Q&A. Participants only have to attend one of the sessions.
Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, blocks opiate receptors in the brain, works in 1-3 minutes and lasts 30-90 minutes. It can cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea and disorientation, but there is no risk for abuse or addiction. If given in a timely manner, the antidote can prevent deaths from overdoses due to opioid drugs, such as oxycodone or heroin.