Opioid overdose rescue (Narcan) training & awareness event set

In an effort to provide education and awareness around the opioid epidemic, the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, in cooperation with the Niagara County OASIS (Opioid) Task Force public awareness/involvement subcommittee, will offer a free opioid overdose (Narcan) training from 5-6:30 p.m. Monday, April 15, at Hartland Bible Church, 8110 West Ave., Gasport. The training will teach residents how to understand, recognize, respond to and reverse suspected opioid overdoses using naloxone.

The training is free, but pre-registration is required. Residents can register for the training by visiting Eventbrite or the Niagara County Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services Facebook page.

In addition to the Narcan training, an awareness event hosted by the Rural Niagara Community Coalition will be held alongside the training (5-8 p.m.). Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in Northpointe Council’s “Hidden Mischief” experience, a simulated teen bedroom that is brought into the community. It allows people to walk through and search for hidden drugs and paraphernalia (and learn about popular concealment methods), and connect with community-based organizations. At 6:30 p.m. a panel discussion will be held with representatives from local stakeholders, including recovery programs, hospitals and law enforcement.

The event is free and open to the public. Child-friendly activities will be available for parents with small kids. Light refreshments will be available to attendees. Additional event information can be found by visiting the Niagara County Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services Facebook page.

The Niagara County Opioid Task Force (OASIS - Opioid Addiction/Overdose Strategy Implementation Standing Committee) was established by the Niagara County Legislature in early 2016 in recognition of the broad impact the opioid epidemic is having in local communities. The implementation of the task force shows the significance of having local, state and federal officials, experts, law enforcement and victims work together on all fronts to help to put the issue front and center and effectively respond to the opioid crisis. The OASIS task force is charged with developing a comprehensive opioid strategy across every community within Niagara County in order to combat the increasing concern with opioid addiction and overdose-related deaths.

Created in 2015, the Rural Niagara Community Coalition aims to promote outreach and raise awareness of and increase access to existing support programs related to substance abuse prevention, mental wellness, and community revitalization to assist residents of rural Niagara County. Currently, the group has active representation from Barker Public Library, Eastern Niagara Hospital, Evergreen Health Services, First Baptist Church of Newfane, Grigg Lewis Foundation, Mental Health Association of Niagara County, the Mobile Safety-Net Team, Native American Community Services, New York National Guard Counter Drug Task Force/Western Region Civil Operator, Newfane Central School District, Newfane Public Library, Niagara County Memorial Medical Center, Niagara County Department of Health, Niagara County Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, Niagara County Office of the Aging, Northpointe Council, Orleans/Niagara BOCES, Parent Network of WNY, Royalton-Hartland Central School District, Salvation Army and The John R. Oishei Foundation.

For more information about this event call 716-830-7968 or email [email protected].