Nevada City, CA – Naloxone administered by first responders and community members has saved hundreds of Nevada County lives since March 2020 when fentanyl—a strong synthetic opioid–first arrived in the county drug supply.
Naloxone (also known by brand name Narcan) is now available for free at the Madelyn Helling Library in Nevada City thanks to a partnership with Yuba Harm Reduction Collective. Individuals of any age may pick up it up with no questions asked. A list of community locations where people can access free Naloxone/Narcan and test strips is available at KnowOverdoseNC.com.
In addition, Nevada County Public Health is offering two free online training sessions Friday, Aug. 30 on how to save lives with Naloxone/Narcan. Attendees will learn more about opioids, fentanyl, the opioid epidemic, signs of an overdose and how to use Naloxone/Narcan.
The Zoom sessions, which are offered 12-1 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. were scheduled in recognition of the upcoming International Overdose Awareness Day on Saturday, Aug. 31. “International Overdose Awareness Day is an opportunity to remember our loved ones who we’ve lost to overdose and redouble our efforts to prevent future overdoses,” said Public Health Program Manager Toby Guevin. “Learning how to identify an overdose, carrying Narcan and knowing how to use it, and understanding local overdose prevention resources are steps each of us can take to be more prepared as a community.”
Community members can register for the free trainings at the following links:
o 12-1p.m.
o 5-6 p.m.
In 2023, Nevada County Public Health provided 99 opioid overdose prevention trainings to more than 2,300 residents. To request a free training for your organization or learn more about local resources, visit KnowOverdoseNC.com.