OLD ORCHARD BEACH – The Rotary Club of Saco Bay Sunset hosted a free Narcan training session at Old Orchard Beach High School last week. The event drew nearly 70 attendees.
Lacey Bailey, a Sweetser Drug & Alcohol Clinician and the York County liaison for the Overdose Prevention Through Intensive Outreach Naloxone and Safety (OPTIONS) initiative led the training.
Bailey’s presentation outlined the symptoms of an overdose, as well as the steps for administering Naloxone, the medication in NARCAN, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. If administered in time, the nasal spray can save a life. Attendees left with two free doses of the medication.
According to Saco Bay Sunset President Carol Marcotte, the club decided to host a training after Kennebunk Police Chief Bob MacKenzie spoke to them about opioid addiction.
“Substance use disorders affect people of all ages and all walks of life,” said Marcotte. “NARCAN trainings are crucial in helping recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and showing how to administer the drug that can reverse overdoses. Opioid overdose deaths have skyrocketed. It’s a mental health condition that can happen to anyone.”
The OPTIONS initiative at Sweetser is a partnership with the Maine Office of Behavioral Health to improve the health of Mainers who use substances by using harm reduction strategies, supporting recovery, and providing referrals for services.
“This is about reducing stigma and saving lives,” said Bailey. “People leave these trainings with a better understanding of the signs and symptoms of an overdose and are better prepared to assist with the proper tools and information.”
As part of the program, Sweetser has licensed behavioral health clinicians around the state who work with law enforcement agencies, emergency services, and community partners to engage in post-overdose follow-up and provide help with referrals, conduct community outreach, de-escalate behavioral health crises, provide short-term counseling interventions, and distribute Naloxone.
To request free Naloxone or to inquire about hosting a training in York County, contact Lacey Bailey at lmbailey@sweetser.org.
