Pubdate: Thu, 07 Aug 2014
Source: Republican, The (Springfield, MA)
Copyright: 2014 The Republican
Contact: http://www.masslive.com/contactus/
Website: http://www.masslive.com/republican/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3075
Author: George Graham

THOSE CONCERNED LOVED ONES MAY OVERDOSE ON HEROIN URGED TO RECEIVE 
FREE NARCAN AT TRAINING SESSION IN GREENFIELD

GREENFIELD - Those who are concerned that loved ones may be at risk 
for heroin overdose are urged to attend a free community Narcan 
training at the RECOVER Project on Federal Street Monday afternoon.

Participants will receive training and a dose of the nasal spray 
version of the drug that can save lives by reversing the effects of a 
heroin overdose.

The Aug. 11 training will be conducted by Tapestry Health at the 
RECOVER Project, 68 Federal St., at 1:30 p.m. Advance registration is 
not necessary.

Deerfield Police Chief John Paciorek Jr. praised the drug after it 
revived three suspected overdose victims last April within a 72-hour span.

"Until you have witnessed this in person you can't describe it," 
Paciorek said of the drug's ability to bring those suspected of 
overdosing on heroin - often literally on the brink of death - back 
to life within seconds.

Timothy Purington, director of prevention services for Tapestry 
Health said the session is aimed at those who have regular contact 
with drug-users, especially family and friends. "A parent with a 
child that keeps relapsing would be an ideal candidate," he said.

Those who work with potential drug-users, for example those who staff 
homeless shelters or soup kitchens are also invited to attend.

Tapestry Health has been part of a statewide Narcan pilot program 
since 2008 and in order for it to give out the drug it needs educate 
would-be users.

"We need to make sure they understand Narcan and when it is 
appropriate to use and when it is not appropriate to us to use," 
Purington said.

The training also stresses those who revive overdose victims with the 
drug should call 911 right away so they can get emergency medical 
treatment. Narcan only works for 60 to 90 minutes.

Purington said he does'nt advocate the idea of general members of the 
community carrying around the drug because it is relatively 
expensive, well over $20 a dose and supplies are limited.

Those who can't attend the training have the option of contacting 
their primary physician to receive a prescription for it, Purington said.

Last March, Gov. Deval Patrick declared the opioid addiction crisis 
to be a public health emergency.

The session comes as the Worcester area deals with a spike in heroin 
overdose over the last week or so. That city has experienced nine 
overdoses this past week and police have been called for 33 overdoses 
in the past few days.

Marisa Hebble, coordinator for the Opioid Education and Awareness 
Task Force, warned of the Worcester overdoses in a recent email to 
task force members.

"Public health officials are working with local treatment providers 
and community members to spread the word that there is something 
especially dangerous about the heroin circulating in Worcester right 
now." Hebble wrote. "Given the close proximity to Worcester, we are 
spreading the word in our region as well. Please help us in these efforts."

Both Purington and Hebble said they were not aware of any dramatic 
spike in heron overdoses in Western Massachusetts.

Hebble stated in her email that the Walgreens inside Valley Medical 
Group, 329 Conway St., stocks Narcan. MassHealth covers its cost.

The website www.prescribetoprevent.com has short videos on how to use 
Narcan and other information on the topic.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom